Above and Beyond the Call of Stage Management!
What Does the SM Do?

Essentially, the SM’s job is to make things run smoothly for all involved through out the entire process.  The SM is the nexus of communication among everyone involved. This can be tricky, but definitely not impossible.  We hope that the information provided here will help guide you. 

Below is a non-inclusive list of the duties of the SM.  Due to the multiplicity of expectations within each show your duties will vary.  Here are a few of the basics on which we have managed to agree:

Pre-Production:

1. PHOTOCOPIES, PHOTOCOPIES, PHOTOCOPIES this is your life, embrace it.
2. Help organize and potentially run auditions/callbacks in collaboration with your director.
3. Set up and maintain callboard. (This may include but is not limited to cast lists, contact sheets, schedules, notes, general information.)
4. Scheduling and documenting pre-production/design meetings.
5. Check in with your Technical Director for needs or questions.

Rehearsal (this one’s the kicker…):

1. PHOTOCOPIES, PHOTOCOPIES, PHOTOCOPIES this is your ASM’s life, embrace them.
2. Creating, distributing, and maintaining a rehearsal schedule.
3. Maintaining rehearsal space. (Spike, sweep, clean, providing and setting rehearsal furniture and props)
1. Spiking = laying out the ground plan on the stage deck with spike tape (cleverly named) to indicate doors, walls, windows, platforms etc (use of scale rule, scaled ground plan, and several measuring tapes!).  If you have never spiked a floor before, it is MOST helpful to ask an experienced person for help.
4. Upholding breaks and the set schedule.  This includes reminding your director when a break is due.  Prior to the rehearsal process discuss with your director the most palatable way to remind them of the schedule during rehearsal and if they wish to maintain Equity ruling on breaks.
5. Sustaining a productive and respectful attitude while in the rehearsal space.  (Your cast’s attitude will be a direct reflection on the outlook you present.)
6. Production Meetings:  Scheduling, leading, documenting, and distributing notes.  Don’t underestimate the value of this time.  It’s the one moment that everyone can trouble shoot together.  Collaboration is a must! (Yes, it is as cheesy as it sounds, but true)
7. Rehearsal Reports:  A condensed version of that night’s rehearsal progress, problems, and needs.
8. Caring for your cast and crew (This also includes the director):  It may sound redundant but you will need to remind your cast and crew to take care of themselves (sleep, healthy food, exercise, time away from the show).
9. THE BOOK (part 1):  Record blocking, set changes, backstage needs, preliminary cue list.
1. It is VERY helpful to your cast (and yourself) to make note of cues and to announce them in rehearsal.  For example: if there is a sound cue of a crash, yelling “CRASH” each time that cue comes around prepares your cast for reaction and timing and it prepares you for timing when calling the show.
10. Preparing and distributing line notes to the cast.
1. Remaining true to the script (word for word performances) is important, and line notes (documentation of individual mistakes and alterations to lines) help your cast to learn what mistakes they are making and fix them.
11.  Be in the know.  The more you know about your production the better off everyone will be.
12. Check in with your Technical Director for needs or questions.

Tech/Production

1. Paper Tech:  Director and applicable designers meet with the SM to coordinate all cues that will go into “the book”.
2. Dry Tech:  A preview of all cues, typically seen without actors.  This time could be run by either you or the designers.
3. Wet Tech:  A view of all cues seen with actors, typically run cue to cue. 
4. Dress Rehearsal:  Mock performances run as if audience were present.
5. Preview Rehearsal:  A dress rehearsal where an invited audience is present.
6. Performances:  The run of the show where all your work is finally showcased.  (You may also want to weep with joy that you survived.)
7. Check in with your Technical Director for needs or questions (have you noticed how important this one is???  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT AND CONSIDERATE!)

Post Performance

1. Performance Reports:  Similar to rehearsal reports stating run times, problems encountered, needs, notes, funny shenanigans that will make your designers chortle.
2. Archiving “The Book”:  Following the final performance all paperwork should be collected and organized to be stored in department archives.