On a side note i recently put together a new prompt script for a show that started rehearsals this week and it was fun to have this post on my mind as i was putting things together. If for any reason you find yourself unable to call a show, the assistant stage manager or any other qualified person should be able to pick up your prompt book and call the show in your absence. Check out why its good to keep these for future jobs and why its such an important tool for a show. A stage manager is an individual who has overall responsibility for stage management and the smooth execution of a theatrical production. Blocking is another one of those things that every stage manager does a bit differently. But essentially they all have one function in common. How to make a prompt book stage manager, theatre stage. Posts about prompt book written by awesomestagemanager. Jun 24, 2011 the primary prompt book should have any and all information about a production in it incase the director, producer, anyone needs information. As all stage managers know, doing line notes for actors once they are offbook is one of the most gueling parts of the job. In my local theatre groups, the directors are trying to use facebook this is 5 years later, of course but theres a couple people that are not on facebook anymore, so getting info manually like this is still tedious. The prompt book is the master copy of the script or score containing all the actor moves and technical cues and is used by the deputy stage manager to run rehearsals and later control the performance. The sm should be one of the most informed and knowledgeable people in the production staff.
Oct 18, 2016 in this episode, we explore one of the many ways to build a stage management book. Then on wednesday, she directs him to enter through the auditorium on p. Brooke enjoyed using color in ways she hadnt done before, tagging. For a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage management by lawrence stern. Stage manager notes it in the prompt book for future reference.
The prompt book the prompt book is a working document that organizes lists, schedules, notes, reports, script, etc. Stage management software top 10 list controlbooth. Queen elinor seated on a stool, on the kings r right. The prompt book is kept in such a manner that in the case of an emergency anyone could pick up the book and run the show. Formatted exactly the same as our normal librettovocal books 7. As actors are struggling to get off book, you or your asm will have to be on book, available to prompt them. In modern theatrical productions, the prompt book is generally maintained and kept by the stage manager, with differences in the specific construction and organization to suit the style of the stage manager keeping the book, and the type of production legitimate theatre, musical theatre, dance, opera, etc. This means that i now often have a separate calling script and blocking script as the page numbers and line numbers no longer match up once i input the visual cues. Unfortunatly, there is no accepted format for the distribution of scripts electronically, which basically means that there is no dedicated stage management tool. His eight points explain perfectly what makes a good stage manager the best.
I built cast98 to automate cast logistics for small theatres, school drama groups, and other performance. In rehearsals the stage manager also records all blocking, plus all the light, sound and set change cues, in a master copy of the script called the prompt book. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the basics of a stage manager s duties by taking a written final and presenting their final prompt book. The prompt book contains the script from which the sm calls the show, labeled with light and sound cues. Asms will need to coordinate the recording progress of this document with the sm. Maintaining the script and all documentation of your production in a single location is not just a good idea.
They are the lines of communication between actors, director, designers, technical staff, and front of house exc. Oct 26, 2018 this article is about the prompt book. The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. The prompt book contains blocking notes, any changes that have been made. As all stage managers know, doing line notes for actors once they are off book is one of the most gueling parts of the job. The information in the prompt book allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical. David found he didnt need as much time for the usual pretech work, such as cleaning up his prompt book. The primary prompt book should have any and all information about a production in it incase the director, producer, anyone needs information. The information in the prompt book also allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to determine precisely how it needs to be timed.
Prompt book basics prompt books come in all shapes and sizes, designed for slightly different purposes or for use by people in different roles within the theatre. The key stage management positions are stage manager sm and assistant stage manager asm. Youre ahead of the game with your use of technology. The information in the prompt book also allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to determine precisely how it needs to be timed to. Also, we identify tips and tricks to perfecting your stagemanagement skills. The stage manager also takes notes each night on aspects of the performance to distribute to actors and production departments.
May 08, 2017 the stage manager is then responsible for carrying out all of the technical aspects and artistic direction finalized in the prompt book. Oct 02, 2012 the move from rehearsal room to stage is a huge one, but both a number and still life with iris had a very smooth transition into tech. In modern theatrical productions, the prompt book is generally maintained and kept by the stage manager, with differences in the specific construction and. The prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues, and is used by the deputy stage manager to run rehearsals and later, control the performance. My personal style has evolved a lot over the past seven. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book theatrefolk. The professional experiencerefreshed takes the reader on a journey through all aspects of the craft of stage management in theatre, including the technological advancements that have come to theatre and the stage mangers job. The move from rehearsal room to stage is a huge one, but both a number and still life with iris had a very smooth transition into tech. As for making a calling script, cues were laid on the page and typed or written in. Mar 03, 2015 its been requested, so i go through what i have in one of my prompt books for a show. Explain audition procedures to actors and help to distribute audition information and help with the sign in process.
Create a section in your prompt book for each content area listed. Call time the time that an actor and crew must report to the theater for either a performance or rehearsal. The member of stage management often the dsm cueing the show is said. Regular dialogue related to expectations and sharing of responsibilities need to be ongoing from day one in order to build a teamwork environment. Stage management by briana shipley byu theatre education. An annotated script used by a stage manager or theater prompter. Stage managers also use this master script it contains to prompt actors if they forget lines during rehearsal. These two positions involve support for both the director and the producers. Oct 27, 2018 the prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. One of the stage manager s most important tasks is to create and maintain the prompt book sometimes known as the show bible which is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. Follow these steps and your stage manager will be ready to go in no time. The stage managers toolkit provides a comprehensive account of the role of the stage manager for live theatre with a focus on both written and verbal communication best practices. Its been requested, so i go through what i have in one of my prompt books for a show. The stage manager for each show is in charge of the prompt book.
Good qualities and responsibilities of a stage manager. The stage manager is responsible for creating a master copy of the script called the prompt book that contains everything pertaining to the show. The book outlines the duties of the stage manager and assistant stage manager throughout a production, discussing not only what to do but why. Once a show goes up, i keep my prompt book at the theatre.
Promptbook definition of promptbook by the free dictionary. Blocking is keeping track of the actors movements across the stage. When i first started as an assistant stage manager, i started using a template i was given, and from there i developed some of my own for furture stage managers to make things easier. Whats in a stage managers prompt book aka sms bible. The prompt scripts will be available for examination by respondents and festival attendees. Check out why its good to keep these for future jobs and why its such an important tool for a. Chapters are laid out to reflect the order in which stage managers experience and perform their work. The most important, invisible person in the theater.
The stage manager is then responsible for carrying out all of the technical aspects and artistic direction finalized in the prompt book. If the production is an official invited festival production at the regional festival, a photocopy of that productions prompt scripts may be substituted for the original along with an explanatory sign, at the stage managers discretion. The general manager and active production chair will enter all approved changes. During performances, the stage manager runs the book, which means he uses the prompt book to cue lights, sound and set changes. There is a lot to be said for the old way of making a prompt book. The prompt book should be neat, organized, and kept up to date. Oct 06, 2018 the stage manager is responsible for creating a master copy of the script called the prompt book that contains everything pertaining to the show.
The view from prompt side a stage managers perspective. It must be prepared in advance of the first rehearsal, so the stage manager is ready to go right away. How to prepare a stage manager s prompt book one of the stage manager s most important tasks is to create and maintain the prompt book sometimes known as the show bible which is a master copy of the script and contains everything pertaining to the show. Assistant stage manager asm usually shortened to asm, the assistant stage manager is the most junior member of the stage management team, and is often in charge of sourcing and running properties during the run of a show. Not just to remind you, but in case something happens, someone else will be able to read and understand your blocking notations. And make sure you keep a copy of your blocking key in your prompt book. In this episode, we explore one of the many ways to build a stage management book. The stage manager is the renaissance man of the theater.
Blockit is a web app for stage managers to create a digital prompt book. The prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues, and is used by the deputy stage manager to run. He or she must have a working knowledge of how the various technical aspects of the theater work scenery, props, costumes, lights and sound, be part director, part playwright, part designer and part producer, and be prepared to act as confidant, counselor and confessor to everyone else in the company. Sep 22, 2010 while i know some stage managers create these electronic calling scripts and then call the show from the screen, i still prefer to print out the document and put it into my prompt book. Notes made by the owner of the prompt book who could be a stage manager, an actor or any other theatrical professional to give further guidance about how a scene should be performed, how actors should deliver lines, where they should be positioned etc. Accept responsibility keep their cool keep their eyes and ears open and know when to share their opinions. See more ideas about teaching theatre, stage and theatre stage. Actors sitting around with nothing to do always make more work for a stage manager, so if you can call them a little later, you should.
The information in the prompt book also allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to determine precisely how it needs to be timed to coordinate with the onstage action. Letss say on tuesday, the director blocks cassio to exit downstage prompt side on p. Based on the 6 hour limit of outside rehearsal or activities for our show per week, you will be assigned to attend specific rehearsals on a weekly bases. It is a primary responsibility of the stage manager, and one specifically articulated by actors equity association. Its sometimes known as the book, prompt copy or prompt script.
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