A Day In The Life Of A Stage Manager

A day in the life of...A STAGE MANAGER:

Rehearsals

6am – Check that you have all props or costumes that you took home to make or repair ready to go. Finish anything that still needs to be done. Organise food because you probably won’t get a meal break.

7am – Go into company office to photocopy scripts and print out signage.  Buy coffee/tea items and any consumable props on the way.

8am – Go to rehearsal space.  Unlock everything, turn on heating and put up signage as required.  Update notice boards, sweep floor, check coffee/tea supplies and empty bins.  Set up costumes and props as required for the morning rehearsal and ensure that the rehearsal space is safe.  Turn on computer and check emails and deal with the most urgent.

9am – Liaise with Director regarding the intentions for the morning session.  Ensure cast sign in and follow up on anyone who is late.  Distribute schedules, contact lists, and scripts as required.  Check that the information disseminated is accurate and make updates if necessary.  Make any changes to the rehearsal space requested by the Director for the intended activities.

9:30 – Observe, record, and support rehearsal activities.  This may include operating sound cues, reading out lines for actors, moving props or set pieces around, making or receiving phone calls from the Production Manager or marketing and publicity manager or administrator. 

11am – Ensure that a tea break is taken.  Liaise with the Director about any requirements for the upcoming session.  Set up the rehearsal space for the next session. Liaise with performers regarding their requirements or upcoming absences.  Update the rehearsals schedule as required and update rehearsal notes.

11:15 – Support rehearsal activities as before.  May need to make phone calls to source props or costumes.

1pm – Organise lunch break for the cast.  Go to shops for any requirements that have emerged during the rehearsal (new props for example).  Liaise with designers (set, costume, lighting, sound, av) regarding their attendance in the rehearsal space and requirements they may have including work space, access to power, equipment set up.  Liaise with Production Manager regarding pick ups and deliveries.  Liaise with Marketing Manager regarding media calls.  Check emails and action as appropriate.  Reset rehearsals space for next session and tidy coffee/tea facilities.

2pm – Support rehearsal activities as before.

3:30 – Organise tea break.  Schedule media calls with Director and performers.  Discuss design requirements with designers.  Update rehearsal report.

5pm – Call an end to rehearsals.  Liaise with Director about following day’s activities.  Remind cast of rehearsal calls and costume fittings for the following day.  Complete rehearsal report which includes information regarding – rehearsal activities, attendance, OHS issues, upcoming meetings (production meetings, costume fittings, media calls, site visits, filming schedules, etc), rehearsal and design requirements, repairs and maintenance of set/props/costumes, and intentions for following day.  Disseminate report to Director, designers, Production Manager, Marketing Manager, General Manager, Artistic Director and Administrator to action as appropriate.  Organise petty cash receipts.  Tidy up show file (prompt script) and update props and costume lists. Tidy rehearsal space and wash dishes.  Inspect props and costumes for repairs and maintenance.  Power down all electrical items and heating and lock up the space.

6:30pm – Go home and have dinner.

7:30pm – make props or do repairs as required.