Show Reminders:
Things an SM should always have with them:
This is pretty self-explanatory. The stage manager should always make sure that they have certain things before a show starts. These are the things I always had with me.
o Script
o Copy for yourself
§ This has all your cues in it… you’re in trouble if it is missing
o Copy for lighting board op
§ Helpful
o Copy for sound board op
§ Helpful
o Flashlights (2+)
o Extra batteries for the flashlights
§ Your batteries WILL die in the middle of a show
o Possibly a battery charger
§ Batteries are expensive… chargers are awesome
o Gel for the flashlights
§ Normal light is too bright… the audience will see you
o Lists
o Green room announcements
§ Cast and crew need to be cued at the proper times.
o Blackout movement
§ Also obvious, you need to start at the right time.
o Cell phone
o If something happens, you can’t leave the booth
§ It is nice to be able to call the house manager to tell them to hold intermission a few minutes
o Writing utensils
o Pens, Pencils, whatever
§ Cues sometimes change, and you WON’T remember after the show.
o Tools
o Gaff Tape
§ If anything CAN break… it will… aaaaalways have tape handy
o Anything needed for the booth equipment
§ Again here… just think Murphy’s Law
o Personal stuff
o Water
§ In case you get thirsty
o Cough Drops
§ Do your board ops a favor
Clear-Com Announcements to the Green Room:
There are many points throughout a performance that the stage manager needs to cue cast and crew members who are backstage. In order to do this in the Little Theater, an announcement must be made from the booth to the green room over the Clear-Com. This was my list of announcements that needed to be made before, during, and after I Hate Hamlet.
Pre-show:
· 30 minutes till House opens
· 15 minutes till House opens
· 10 minutes till House opens
· 5 minutes till House opens
· 2 minutes till House opens
· House is open / 30 minutes till “Places”
· 15 minutes till “Places”
· 10 minutes till “Places”
· 5 minutes till “Places”
Check with ASM to make sure that the actors are ready and there are no costuming or other emergencies or problems. Then contact the House Manager when everyone is ready to go and the show start is waiting on the audience to settle and the doors to close.
2 minutes till “Places”
Stand-by (during pre-show announcements)
Places (with the blackout)
Intermission:
· 15 minutes till “Places”
· 10 minutes till “Places”
· 5 minutes till “Places”
Check with ASM to make sure that the actors are ready and there are no costuming or other emergencies or problems. Then contact the House Manager when everyone is ready to go and the show start is waiting on the audience to settle and the doors to close.
2 minutes till “Places”
Stand-by (during pre-show announcements)
Places (with the blackout)
During Show:
Contact the ASM a few pages before the set changes to make sure that they are ready
Contact the ASM a few pages before curtain call to make sure actors are ready