I’ve taken-over several shows, one during Previews, so I can relate to how trickily it is to transition SMs on a show before Opening. I also had to hand a show over to a take-over when it extended and I had to go to another show. I feel like taking-over as an SM is similar to being an understudy. Yes, different people have different styles, but since you originated the role, so to speak, of SM for the production, I think it’s the take-over’s job to adapt to the style and tone you already set, and follow what you’ve been doing as closely as possible. Making the changeover go smoothly for the actors and crew is more important than “establishing authority” over the production. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. When I do a take-over, I follow the original SMs lead, and expect them to give me their insights and critique my calling. There are a couple things I’d suggest for a smooth transition…
-Include the take-over on rehearsal/performance reports if possible. It gives them a sense of what issues there with the play, and what the main topics of discussion or rehearsal room work have been.
-Get them the script, contact sheet, schedule, run sheets, and any other useful paperwork, ahead of time, so they have a chance to review your formatting, get to know the show, and can follow along on in their own book rather than trying to peer over your shoulder.
-Talk with the take-over, and the producer as needed, before the new SM comes on board. Try to develop a plan for when they will just be watching the show, when they will shadow you, when you will shadow them, when you will call in-tandem if that’s an option, and when they can call on their own with you giving notes. Is it possible your take-over was ornery because she had different expectations for the logistics of the transition?
-It’s good to prepare the actors and crew for the fact that a new SM will be starting, letting them know the generally time-line for the take-over (though not necessarily which performance they will be calling). Even if you introduce the new SM to the company as a whole, it’s nice to introduce them individually as well, during the course of the day, so the new SM can see who-is-who up close, and the company can put a face to the disembodied voice over the god mic.