Stage Management: different phases.

1. The Stage Manager's Duties Before Rehearsal

In any production, the stage manager's job begins long before the actors set foot on the
stage. Their work begins with the stage itself: the stage manager is responsible for making
sure the stage is set up with backdrops, furniture, and even props so that things are ready
for the actors when it comes time to rehearse. To make this happen, the stage manager may
have to coordinate between many groups of people depending on the size and scope of the
production. These groups could include the props department, set designers, costume
designers, and the director.

Next, the stage manager needs to make sure the stage management kit is ready to go for
rehearsals. While the first aid kit, including cough drops, ice packs, and aspirin, is the most
obvious item that goes into the stage management kit, there are a lot more supplies needed
to keep rehearsals and productions on target. For example, there should be a sewing kit to
quickly repair any costume malfunctions that happen along the way. There should also be
some tools for emergency set repairs. Hammers, screws, tape measures, flashlights,
batteries, and even electrical tape are all handy supplies to keep in the stage management
kit.

Finally, the stage manager needs to be prepared to rehearse with actors. A stage manager
should always know what scenes will be rehearsed and what actors should be present.
Ultimately, when actors don't show up, the stage manager needs to have all of the cast's
contact information to track them down. A stage manager also needs to be sure the green
room* and the restrooms are ready to be used by the actors as rehearsals begin.

The green room is the space in a theatre or similar venue that functions as a waiting room and lounge for
performers before and after a performance, and during the show when they are not engaged on stage
2. During the Rehearsal

Twenty different things can be going on around the stage manager at all times, and their job
in rehearsal is to keep it all running smoothly.

As the rehearsals commence, the stage

manager keeps track of all of the blocking for
each scene in their copy of the script. Blocking
consists of the stage directions for where
actors should move on any given line during a
scene. As part of rehearsals, the director will
go through and block each scene. The stage
manager needs to note the blocking in the
script, because part of their role is to
coordinate with the lighting department make
sure the lighting works with the blocking of
each scene.

The stage manager may also keep other types of notes during rehearsals. For example, they
may keep notes for the director such as artistic decisions related to characters and dialogue.
Those notes may be used by the stage manager to work with individual actors as
determined by the director. At the end of each rehearsal, the stage manager also needs to
be sure that everything is stowed (stored) safely in its place, from the stage management kit
to props and costumes, so that it's all ready to go for the next rehearsal.

3. When the Show Goes Live

Once the show goes into production, the stage manager is usually the last person to leave
on any given day. They have a huge ongoing responsibility to keep the production on track.
Some of that is basic organization and clean-up - just like at the end of rehearsals, the stage
manager must ensure that everything is put away at the end of a live show.
When the audience walks away, the stage manager has to make sure all the actors are
safely out the door. Then comes the task of going through and making sure the green room,
dressing rooms, restrooms, and all the doors are locked up before they can leave. However,
stage managers also serve other roles during production. They need to find ways to make
sure that everyone, from the actors to the crew members, keeps up a high morale
(optimistic) and gives their personal best. The stage manager also has to keep notes of all
the little things that may pop up during a production and need to be addressed prior to the
next show.