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Jon Stewart at the Montclaire Film Festival

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Jon Stewart started as a behind-the-scenes worker in productions, helping with stage management and other works, but slowly moved into film production and comedy. Jon Stewart began working in film production In 1968, and got the courage to get on stage the following year. Jon helped in movies like Big Daddy and Death to Smoochy, and then started hosting and helping with TV shows. He hosted The Jon Stewart Show and You Wrote It and You Watch It.

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Stage Management from the production Wicked.

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Different Facts of Stage Management

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1. Thou Shalt Be Prepared
2. Know Thy Contacts
3. Taketh Good Notes, Giveth Good Notes
4. Know Thy Blocking Language and Abbreviations
5. Go Forth and Make It Fun
6. Thou Shalt Be Accountable
7. Thou Shalt Stay Classy
8. Be Thou Courteous
9. Thou Shalt Not Gossip
10. Know Thy Tech

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A few holy 'musts' for becoming an efficient and steady stage manager

The stage manager is often described as being the glue of any production, the person who always knows what's going on, where it's happening, and how things are actually progressing.

A great stage manager is typically a calm, professional, and organized person with a good base knowledge of stagecraft, and an ability to courteously manage others. To help you in honing your skills and approaches for that next upcoming production, following is a brief list of commandments to follow to ensure proper stage management:

Thou Shalt Be Prepared.

Begin your preparations before your very first production meeting, jotting notes on what you'll need, as well as on preliminary scheduling or contacts. As some productions are always more challenging than others, it never hurts to do a little research on Google, as well, to get a feel for any common hurdles ahead. And once the rehearsal period begins, make sure you always have a toolbox of essentials with you, including everything from administrative stuff (pencils, chalk, tape, highlighters), to tools (flashlights, penlights, batteries of all kinds, and more), first aid basics, emergency sewing supplies (especially buttons and snaps), and more.

Know Thy Contacts.

Always carry your production contact info with you on any meetings, rehearsals, performances, and more. A little administrative planning can be a godsend when an emergency pops up, so be sure to write, print, and copy call lists and rehearsal schedules as soon as they're set. Most importantly, always ensure that you have contact information for everyone in the production, from the director and assistant(s) and other personnel, cast and crew, to the venue managers or janitorial staff for your rehearsal (and performance) spaces.

Taketh Good Notes, and Giveth Good Notes

In the life of a stage manager, especially during the rehearsal process, there's no such thing as too many notes. So listen closely at each and every meeting, taking extensive notes on blocking, lighting and tech cues as they occur, as well as any other noteworthy aspects. Write in block capitals, clearly, and in pencil until the show is set.

When giving notes to actors after performances, be tactful and professional. Sometimes you'll have to keep an eye on morale, so if an actor, for instance, flubbed six lines tonight, but four of them were minor omissions or rephrases? Save it for another note, or talk to the actor privately, later. Try to consciously point out something positive when giving multiple notes, as well, as a sweetener.

Know Thy Blocking Language and Abbreviations.

To take good notes, you'll need a working knowledge of stage terms and especially blocking language. For instance, if Chris is going to cross to upstage right during a monolog, you'd ideally write it in simplified forms, like this: C X USR next to that action in the script. This language will enable you to write notes fast and to be able to accurately recreate even complex stage movement back to the director or players as needed.

Thou Shalt Stay Classy.

This doesn't mean you have to abandon the awesome casual feel of working in the theater. It just means you need to be attentive to how you present yourself. So make an effort to be presentable and professional, and even when casual, try to stay classy, with no low cleavage, exposed midriffs or torsos, etc.

Know Thy Tech!

Ideally, all stage managers should know how to run the light board, sound effects equipment, and spots -- it's invaluable knowledge for anyone in the theater. While not every stage manager can run a light board, you never know what will happen, and it's always good to have good working knowledge of your lighting and sound equipment. At best, it will enable you to manage those crew members more effectively, and at worst, you'll be able to step in, in the case of emergency. Also acclimate yourself to common headset workarounds, errors or snafus.

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A few holy 'musts' for becoming an efficient and steady stage manager The stage manager is often described as being the glue of any production, the person who always knows what's going on, where it's happening, and how things are actually progressing.

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Stage Managers have many expectations, including running rehearsals, creating master calendars and master scripts, help with auditions, and much more.
#Stagemanagersareveryimportanttoprudcutions

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Description

The Stage Manager has a wide number and variety of responsibilities, which can be broken down into three primary categories: handling the majority of the administrative duties related to a production, assisting the director during rehearsals, and being responsible for all backstage activity once the show opens.

Expectations

1. Attend all rehearsals and performances.

2. Create a master calendar of rehearsals, target dates and deadlines, and performances.

3. Conduct auditions with the director, including coordinating audition forms and information sheets.

4. Handle script distribution and collection.

5. Prepare cast and crew contact lists.

6. Tape the floor for scenery locations in the theatre (for rehearsals) and spike the scenery onstage in the theatre (for performances). This requires the

7. ability to read a scenic design ground plan.

8. Open and prepare theatre or rehearsal space for all rehearsals (includes sweeping and mopping the stage, pre-setting furniture and props, etc.).

9. Clean up after all rehearsals and performances spaces (includes returning props and furniture to storage as needed, backstage custodial duties, etc.). This can include cleaning up after actors, who should be directed to clean up after themselves. Anything they leave behind, stage managers must clean up, so police the space before actors leave and make sure they take their things with them.

10. Close and lock the theatre or rehearsal space after all rehearsals and performances, including turning off all lights (except for the 'ghost light') and closing and locking all doors.

11. Record director's blocking in production book and assist actors with blocking as needed.

12. Take line notes when actors are off book and prompt actors as needed.

13. Assist the properties team and coordinate rehearsal props and furniture as necessary. This also includes creating and maintaining a master props list.

14. Chair production meetings.

15. Develop preset lists and running order lists.

16. Organize backstage storage areas for rehearsals and performances in cooperation with the technical director.

17. Write and distribute daily rehearsal, production meeting, and performance reports in a timely fashion.

18. Facilitate communication between production staff members as necessary for smooth production operations.

19. Record all deck cues, lighting cues, sound cues, etc. and stand-by's in production book in advance of the first technical rehearsal.

20. Facilitate communication between production staff members and cast members as necessary, i.e. costume fittings, makeup orders, program proofing, etc.

21. Manage the production callboard, including sign-in sheets, and announcements.

22. Monitor actors' attendance and punctuality for all rehearsals and performances and deliver all pre-show time calls.

23. Coordinate all scene shift rehearsals, technical, and dress rehearsals in cooperation with the director and other members of the production team.

24. Supervise the work (as needed) of technicians, deck hands, and board operators.

25. Organize and supervise special rehearsals for fight calls, dance combinations and special effects.

26. Call all cues during the run of the show including light, sound, and deck cues.

Online application for this position.

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DescriptionThe Stage Manager has a wide number and variety of responsibilities, which can be broken down into three primary categories: handling the majority of the administrative duties related to a production, assisting the director during rehearsals, and being responsible for all backstage activity once the show opens.

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September 23, 2019  at Time Square, the Stage Managers' Association Event took place, which celebrating technicians, lighting directors and a bunch more people who have helped with the behind-the-scenes in the past.

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Photos Inside the Stage Managers' Association 2019 Del Hughes Awards

The annual event, celebrating lifetime achievement in the art of stage management, was celebrated at Connelly's Times Square September 23.

The Stage Managers' Association celebrated the 2019 Del Hughes Awards at Connelly's Times Square September 23. The event, which was attended by technicians from Broadway, Off-Broadway, tours, and regional theatre as well as opera, honored lifetime achievement in the art of stage management.

During the ceremony, Rich Costabile, Barbara Donner, and Mary K. Klinger each received lifetime achievement awards. Additionally, Janet Friedman received The Founders Award, in recognition of her work with the Stage Managers' Association.
Flip through photos of the ceremony below:

Inside the Stage Managers' Association 2019 Del Hughes Awards

Inside the Stage Managers' Association 2019 Del Hughes Awards

27 PHOTOS

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Inside the Stage Managers' Association 2019 Del Hughes Awards | Playbill

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Photos Inside the Stage Managers' Association 2019 Del Hughes Awards The annual event, celebrating lifetime achievement in the art of stage management, was celebrated at Connelly's Times Square September 23. The Stage Managers' Association celebrated the 2019 Del Hughes Awards at Connelly's Times Square September 23.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E._W._Swackhamer

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Prince

https://www.brainyquote.com/lists/authors/top-10-harold-prince-quotes

http://www.playbill.com/article/inside-the-stage-managers-association-2019-del-hughes-awards

https://theatreanddance.appstate.edu/script-and-rehearsal/stage-manager

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1. Running and planning rehearsals
2. Communicating Director's wishes and views
3. Coordinating Crew and Backstage helpers
4. Calling cues and entrances
5. Overseeing performances

#stagemanagersareassistantdirectors

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#runningrehersalsandplanning

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" Stage Manager

Stage managers typically provide practical and organizational support to the director, actors, designers, stage crew and technicians throughout the production process. They also are the director's representative during performances, making sure that the production runs smoothly.

The role of the stage manager is especially important to the director in rehearsals. Here the director and the stage manager work side by side, with the stage manager recording the director's decisions about blocking and notes for the actors, keeping track of logistical and scheduling details and communicating what goes on in rehearsals to the rest of the team. This enables the director to concentrate his or her full attention on directing.

Stage managers have several key responsibilities and tasks to perform in each phase of a production, including:

scheduling and running rehearsals

communicating the director's wishes to designers and crafts people

coordinating the work of the stage crew

calling cues and possibly actors' entrances during performance

overseeing the entire show each time it is performed

In conjunction with the director, the stage manager determines the scheduling of all rehearsals and makes sure everyone involved is notified of rehearsal times, meetings, costume/wig fittings and coaching sessions. During the rehearsal phase, stage managers also:

mark out the dimensions of the set on the floor of the rehearsal hall

make sure rehearsal props and furnishings are available for the actors

attend all rehearsals

notify the designers and crafts people of changes made in rehearsal

In rehearsals the stage manager also records all blocking, plus all the light, sound and set change cues, in a master copy of the script called the prompt book. 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.

The stage manager and the technical director also work out a smooth and efficient plan for the stage crew to follow during set changes. Furniture and prop plans for complicated sets are drawn up by the stage manager and technical designer to show exactly where the furniture and props are to be positioned on stage at the beginning of each scene and sometimes in the wings.

Once the show opens, the director's work is essentially complete. Now it's the stage manager's job to make sure that every aspect of the production runs just as the director intended time after time, until the production closes.

Sample Job Description & Duties

MS Word (.doc) format | Acrobat (PDF) format

Assistant Stage Manager

Often needed in larger productions, when the stage manager is out in the house, the ASM is often stationed just offstage to facilitate communication between the stage manager, crew and actors, as well as ensuring safety. The ASM often helps with complex set changes, quick changes offstage, or preparing the stage for performance.

Recommended Books from AACT's Amazon Store

More Resources at Your Fingertips

AACT members have access to our Resource Library covering all aspects of theatre, plus member networking, discounts on theatrical products & services and on AACT festivals and conferences.

Click here for more on the benefits of AACT membership.

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" Stage Manager Stage managers typically provide practical and organizational support to the director, actors, designers, stage crew and technicians throughout the production process. They also are the director's representative during performances, making sure that the production runs smoothly. The role of the stage manager is especially important to the director in rehearsals.

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"The idea is to work and to experiment."

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"Audiences are quite happy to be astonished, and they don't care who does that astonishing"

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2 Quotes from Harold Prince

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Pay: $30,000-$40,000 per year
Job Outlook: Fair
Education: Bachelor preferred.
Stage Managements get paid annually.
#Stagemanagersneedexperience

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Education and Training: Bachelor's preferred
Average Salary: $30,000-$40,000 per year
Job Outlook: Fair

A stage manager is a person typically experienced in many aspects of theater who is primarily responsible for the organizational aspects of putting on a show, whether in the theater or on a television set. Before the production, the stage manager is responsible for coordinating the setup of the theater as well as the rehearsals. One of his or her primary duties is ensuring that rehearsals run smoothly and well and that the timing for lights, sound, and set changes is spot on.

The stage manager also acts as an assistant to the director and works on things like blocking and line cues with the actors and actresses in the show. It is usually the stage manager's job to schedule rehearsals and to communicate with the cast and crew about any changes.

During the show, the stage manager will "call" the performance, which means reminding the crew of when to change lights, sounds, and set, and communicating otherwise with the backstage crew. The stage manager also ensures that actors and actresses are where they need to be during the show so that things run smoothly.

Education and Training Requirements

Educational requirements for a stage manager will vary, depending on where the hiring is taking place. Small local theaters may hire college students who have some stage experience to become stage managers. Larger organizations, though, normally prefer stage managers with bachelor's degrees in drama or related fields. Some stage managers in high-end productions even have master's degrees in fine arts centered on the performing arts.

Much of the training for a stage manager can be done on the job, particularly as a stage manager works his or her way up the ranks of the behind-the-scenes production crew for a play.

Getting the Job

Many stage managers have volunteer experience in their roles at the high school or college level, and this can be a great way to build up your resume to get a stage management position. Jobs can be found in the trade newspaper "Backstage." Most stage managers put together a prompt book example that includes blocking notes and lighting and sound queues written in, as this helps demonstrate their experience and abilities at stage management.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook and Career Development

Jobs in theater in general are expected to grow at an average rate, but competition is always keen for these jobs. Turnover rate does tend to be high, leaving some older jobs open, because many people get burned out on the long hours and low pay that often accompanies any job in the theater.

Many jobs may be available, depending on the economy, at touring productions, repertory theaters, theme parks, and resorts, and most of these jobs are available in larger metropolitan areas.

Many stage managers go on to develop a career as a director, since they are learning from the director throughout their stage management experiences. Some stage managers leave theater altogether, taking their organizational and people management skills into entirely new industries.

Working Conditions and Environment

The hours for a stage manager are often long, and he or she may be the first to come and the last to leave a production. The environment can be stressful, particularly leading up to a major production. Stage management in the television industry may be slightly less stressful, and the hours may be a bit more regular.

Salary and Benefits

The average salary for a stage manager is about $30,000 to $40,000 per year, paid, normally, in an hourly wage. Stage managers can make anywhere from $26,000 to $49,000, depending on where they work and for whom they are working. Television stage managers typically make more than stage managers for live productions.

Stage managers are only likely to get benefits if they are hired full-time with a production company, which is not often the case. Many are like actors, freelancing their skills in one production after another. In this case, paid vacation time and benefits are not at all common.
Where to Go for More Information
Actors' Equity Association
165 W 46th St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 869-8530
http://www.actorsequity.org

Producers Guild of America
8530 Wiltshire Blvd., Ste. 450
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
http://www.producersguild.org

Stage Managers' Association
http://www.stagemanagers.org

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Education and Training: Bachelor's preferred Average Salary: $30,000-$40,000 per year Job Outlook: Fair A stage manager is a person typically experienced in many aspects of theater who is primarily responsible for the organizational aspects of putting on a show, whether in the theater or on a television set.

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1. A stage Manager the person responsible for the lighting and other technical arrangements for a stage play.

#stagemanagershavealotofresponsibilities

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1990 E.W. Working on Law and Order

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2007 award with Toni Morrison

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Harold Prince is associated with directing the most well known Broadway shows of the 20th century. He earned 21 Tony Awards throughout his life, some for directing, some for his Musicals, and some special awards. Harold began his career by Stage Managing alongside George Abbot, and then began his directing career after the show he worked as a stage manager in The Pajama Game.

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Harold Prince, E.W. Swackhamer, and Jon Stewart.

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Hannah K. Moin Drama Final- Stage Managers

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Full name Egbert Warnderink Swackhamer, producer and film director. He was known for M*A*S*H, L.A. Law, and Murder. Swackhamer was the Stage Manager for the Broadway show of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He went to Hollywood in 1961 after working on and off as an actor, director, and stage manager. He received an Emmy for his directing in The Dain Curse in 1978. He then died in 1994 on December 5th.