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The stage manager is responsible for all logistics regarding rehearsals and performances. The position is most easily broken into two phases: rehearsal and production.
Example emails sent throughout the entire show process (and the date they were sent) are attached.
Rehearsal Phase Duties
Facilitate rehearsals. This means:
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- Take pictures of auditioners; it's easier for the director to remember faces
- Write the person's name on a chalkboard, and take their picture with their name visible.
- Have people (ASMs, etc.) inside and outside the audition room communicating about which auditioners have arrived and whether they are ready to audition.
- Get the casting done as quickly as possible. If possible, schedule the last day of auditions to end early to give you time to call people. (this should be the last day before callbacks and the day of callbacks if possible)
- If possible, make a characters list before-hand and have an idea of how large each part is (search the play name on wolfram alpha- it's super useful!) and which parts can be combined if needed. List which characters are in which scenes. This is also a good time to decide which characters are important for the rehearsals of each scene, which will help with scheduling.
- Note: the director will often do this, because they know the show better than you. Check with them.
- Encourage the director to take scheduling into account during auditions. Try to prevent giving main roles to people who don't have the time for them.
- Take pictures of auditioners; it's easier for the director to remember faces
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Casting:
Everything that happens in the casting room stays in the casting room. Do not share casting details with anyone. No one wants to accidentally hear that they were second choice for something.
The Director will cast the show. Work with the Producer to ensure that the director follows the Ensemble's casting policy and call people to offer roles. Generally, it's good to call larger roles (ie, confirm Hamlet before you call anyone else) before smaller roles, but talk to the Director about back-up plans in case people reject roles. If the Producer is auditioning, talk to the Officers about appointing a non-auditioning Member to be part of the Casting Team to help with these things.
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- Talk with the Director about how to proceed, or call the backup. Calling strategically will help with this.
After the cast list is complete, email the cast and Ensemble with the final cast list.
Read-Through
Printing scripts for read through
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