Your prompt book should be written in a way that if something. You can obtain this from the technical director or sm adviser. The prompt book the prompt book is a working document that organizes lists, schedules, notes, reports, script, etc. Since stage management covers the technical side, as well as dealing with the people involved in the production, stage managers have quite a varied set of supplies in their kits. Promptbook definition is a copy of a play with directions for performance used by a theater prompter. Promptside recently got in contact with gail to find out more about callq and what it can do for stage managers.
The prompter sometimes prompt in a theatre is a person who prompts or cues actors when they forget their lines or neglect to move on the stage to where they are supposed to be situated. Actors equity association defines it as, the accurate playing text and stage business, together. Stage management handbook v4 west virginia university. The back stage guide to stage management, 3rd edition. The prompt script is the stage managers tool the formal record of the production sometimes nicknamed the bible. The prompt script should be wellorganized, detailed and neat in order for. It contains all the information a stage manager, substitute, or assistant would need to know in hardcopy form. How to build a kit of essential items for the theatre stage manager. Usually you can get a copy from the director or from the stage management advisor. Sm network is a forum for stage managers old and new. The essential handbook, together with partner and software developer iain, have created callq simulation software that teaches the user how to call a show. Outline the change you purpose and the reason for this proposal. This valuable document should always be kept in a secure place.
Show them that they are important, that they have a place in the process. The prompt book should contain all blocking notation in addition to cue and warn marks. Posted in resources, secondary education tagged script analysis, student directors leave a comment. The prompt book musings on the art, craft and the business. Promptbook definition of promptbook by merriamwebster.
Jun 24, 2011 the primary prompt book should have any and all information about a production in it incase the director, producer, anyone needs information. Feb 29, 2012 not just to remind you, but in case something happens, someone else will be able to read and understand your blocking notations. A stage managers kit reflects all the aspects of his job responsibilities. Blockit is a web app for stage managers to create a digital prompt book. How to make a prompt book stage manager, theatre stage. A stage manager encompasses a whole show from the production meetings to the rehearsal period, opening night and beyond. Stage management workshop the rural root theatre company. Script stage managers prompt book, undated nypl digital. One of my stage manager friends suggested creating a cover page for the front cover of the prompt book binder, has anyone done this and if so, how do i make it look professional. How to stock a stage management kit on a budget brokegirlrich. But essentially they all have one function in common.
In preproduction, the stage manager sm serves as directors. Traditional and new methods for running a show from first rehearsal to last performance kindle edition by thomas a. A brief guide to stage management chipstead players theatre. He or she must have a working knowledge of how the various technical aspects of the theater work scenery, props, costumes, lights and sound, be part director, part playwright, part designer and part producer, and be prepared to act as confidant, counselor and confessor to everyone else in the company. The stage manager is the renaissance man of the theater. In your own words, on a single typewritten page for each document, decribe the features of each document and how it might be better organized, more functional, or better formatted than other examples. In modern theatrical productions, the prompt book is generally maintained and kept by the stage manager, with differences in the specific construction and organization to suit the style of the stage manager keeping the book, and the type of production legitimate theatre, musical theatre, dance, opera, etc. Apr 29, 2020 gail pallin, stage management teacher and author of stage management. The prompt book, often known as the bible of the show, is a crucial tool. The prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues, and is used by the deputy stage manager to run. The prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues, and is used by the deputy stage manager to run rehearsals and later, control the performance. When an actor runs offstage with a costume malfunction ahem. Promptbook definition of promptbook by the free dictionary.
Jun 02, 2012 lois is a stage manager and in this post shares the everything and anything that goes into her stage management kit. All of this and more will come up during the rehearsal process, and everyone will turn to you for the remedy. Also, is there anything i can do to my prompt books to make them look more professional. Being prepared is one of the best characteristics of a stage manager. Now, this is a professional stage managers kit, but think about how you can start something like this for your high school stage manager. Script stage managers prompt book, undated new york public library digital collections. An annotated script used by a stage manager or theater prompter. The information in the prompt book also allows the stage manager to run the technical rehearsals, calling each technical cue in turn to determine precisely how it needs to be timed to coordinate with the onstage action. Before the rehearsals even begin, the production stage manager will. See more ideas about teaching theatre, stage and theatre stage. The general manager and active production chair will enter all approved changes.
The book outlines the duties of the stage manager and assistant stage manager throughout a production, discussing not only what to do but why. The stage manager and the technical director also work out a smooth and. The sm should be one of the most informed and knowledgeable people in the production staff. Billy rose theatre division, the new york public library. Apr 07, 2014 april 7, 2014 in career, stage management. The key stage management positions are stage manager sm and assistant.
The sm kit a look at my sm kit and a list of all the things that have gone into it, along with where to find the items. Theres ample space to carry your prompt book alongside your electronics. Prompt book layout, including cueing notation preshow check list performance report 4. If you would like to propose a revision to this handbook, please email the production manager. Prompt book information link to details about the prompt book. Prompt book basics prompt books come in all shapes and sizes, designed for slightly different purposes or for use by people in different roles within the theatre. Kit the view from prompt side a stage managers perspective. The stage managers toolkit provides a comprehensive account of the role of the stage manager for live theatre with a focus on both written and verbal communication best practices. May 14, 2019 stage manager duties are important in keeping a show on its feet and were here to tell you why and how. The key to every good stage manager, is what you have as your arsenal in. All of the cast members conflicts scene breakdown production calendar the production calendar includes not just the audition and performance dates, but when people are building the sets, when publicity photos will be taken, and any dark days the theatre has. Feb 25, 2012 when creating a rehearsal schedule, you will need. May 04, 20 the directors prompt book is a good way for students to formalize their ideas about a play, develop a plan of action and create a document of the entire process.