Introduction to the Art of Stage Management: A Practical Guide to Working in the Theatre and Beyond

Description

How do you develop the craft and skills of stage management for today’s theatre industry? And how can these same skills be applied in a variety of entertainment settings to help you develop a rewarding and successful career? Drawing on his diverse experience working with companies from across the performing arts spectrum in venues from the Hollywood Bowl to the Barbican Centre in London, Michael Vitale offers a practical resource on the art of stage management for new and established stage managers. Besides providing detailed coverage of the role within theatre, the book uniquely explores the field of stage management in numerous branches of the entertainment industry. From theatre, opera, and theme parks, to cruise ships, special events, and dance, stage managers are an integral part of keeping productions running, and this book offers guidance on each distinct area to equip you for a varied and successful career. Written with candour and filled with real-world examples, the book examines the nuts and bolts of the job at each stage of the production process: from preproduction, room rehearsal, technical rehearsal, through to running the show. Vitale considers the skills needed to work with a myriad of different people, explores the traits of a successful stage manager, and helps you to hone and evaluate your own practice. Whether you are exploring the field for the first time or are a veteran looking to diversify your resumé, Introduction to the Art of Stage Management will provide insight, practical information, and useful tips to help along the way. An accompanying Companion Website features a range of time-saving templates and forms, such as schedule templates and scene samples. Cover Contents Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction 1 Role of the Stage Manager Who’s who Assembling the team Artist v. technician Archetypes of Stage Managers 2 Preproduction Reading the script The prep week Production meetings The Stage Manager’s kit Preparing the prompt book 3 The Production Process: Room Rehearsal “Running rehearsals” Preparing the space Blocking notation Making the rehearsal room work Rehearsal reports The final days 4 Technical Rehearsals Getting the stage ready Arrivals Calling the show Integrating the crew 5 Running the Show Maintaining the show Company morale 6 Working with Others Teamwork and collaboration Conflict in the room Problems from within The good stuff Building a strong team dynamic Patience and communication 7 Role of the Stage Manager: Opera Organization The process Room rehearsals Tech Performance 8 Role of the Stage Manager: Music Classical music Working with artists Blurring the lines Other music styles 9 Role of the Stage Manager: Special Events The initial meeting Making it happen 10 Role of the Stage Manager: Theme Parks The structure By the numbers Theme park offerings What makes a theme park different? A day in the life of a Theme Park Stage Manager 11 Role of the Stage Manager: Cruise Ships The production process The shows Other responsibilities The experience 12 Other Avenues For Your Stage Management Skills Dance Careers in the theatre Other industries Wedding planning and coordination Film and television Project management Conclusion Further Reading Index