Author Topic: High School SM  (Read 7096 times)

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nrs2014

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High School SM
« on: Feb 10, 2013, 01:28 am »
Hi! I'm new to the stage management world and will be stage managing my first school show this spring which is Alice in Wonderland. My question is - in high school, what should I all do being the SM? I understand that in high school the SM's don't do as much as in the professional world. Should I just ask the director what they expect? I am aware of many of the duties that SM's do, but are they all done in high school theater?

Hghawley

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Re: High School SM
« Reply #1 on: Feb 10, 2013, 03:20 am »
I'm a high school SM as well and I think it depends on your theater and the director and the equipment you are using. I think it's a good idea to ask the director what they expect you to do or even other SMs who have worked with that particular director.

ReyYaySM

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Re: High School SM
« Reply #2 on: Feb 10, 2013, 10:25 am »
Hello and welcome!  I would definitely recommend having a conversation with your director/teacher.  It's been many years since I was in high school, but my experience is that though there are basic responsibilities that go along with this job, there have been different expectations of the stage manager at every level of my career - high school, college, and professionally.  Even professionally the role of the SM can vary theatre to theatre and director to director.  Communication is key to ensuring a smooth production.  Best of luck SMing your first show!

DCPSM2012

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Re: High School SM
« Reply #3 on: Feb 10, 2013, 07:25 pm »
Hi!
Just another High School Stage Manager popping in to say hello!
After Three and a half years with the same director, I've just started managing a show with a brand new creative team. So I feel where you're coming from. I think your best bet is to ask the director exactly what he/she expects from you, and how they expect you to do it.
I've found, however, that it helps to go the extra mile. They may not tell you explicitly to take attendance or do a sign-in sheet- but if they have a "3 absences you're out" rule, it helps to do it regardless. This goes for other things as well. But be very careful not to overstep. Remember that the stage manager is not generally a part of the creative team, and stepping on toes can cause more problems than it is really worth.
However, having that extra bit of paperwork already done ahead of time when the director asks you to do it for them can make a great impression.
 My first show as a PSM was a musical as well, so I wish you the best of luck. You'll have a blast!
"You can grow old, but please, please, never grow up. Not all the way."

nrs2014

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Re: High School SM
« Reply #4 on: Feb 10, 2013, 09:56 pm »
Thank you everyone for the replies! :) It's very helpful and encouraging!

pyromnt

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Re: High School SM
« Reply #5 on: Feb 12, 2013, 12:20 am »
I have been a high school, and community theater, SM for a few years now (I started as a freshmen) and I have a few tips

1) Start off differentiating yourself from the cast. They can't see you as a peer. You have to be held to the level of respect they give the director. Make that clear

2) Talk to the director and have a meeting about what each of your duties are. Also see if the director makes the sign cast contracts, make sure to get a copy of each one, if they exist. Having a signed document showing how each member broke a rule is invaluable in dealing with improper rehearsal etiquette

3) Be on book at all times. You never know when an actor will call 'line'

4) Memorize the rehearsal schedule (or even better- make the schedule). The actors will ask you constantly. Set up a call board as well. Talk to your school administration to find a location

5) Have a master script for all the blocking. This is essential. Especially if the director doesn't record blocking as a few of the directors I have worked for

6) Contact the entire production staff (costumer, tech director, prop master (if there isn't on, find on), etc...) and set up a meeting. You will be the main liaison between these people, so it is important to start off looking professional and on top of it

Private message me if you have any more questions or specific problems

Thanks,

Alec

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nrs2014

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Re: High School SM
« Reply #6 on: Feb 12, 2013, 08:19 pm »
The only thing is about my school... we've never really had stage managers. I know this isn't normal and I won't even begin to explain how we've done it in the past but I really want to start incorporating the REAL thing into our shows. The only thing I'm worried about is people thinking I am too controlling or over doing things.

ejsmith3130

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Re: High School SM
« Reply #7 on: Feb 12, 2013, 10:47 pm »
The only thing I'm worried about is people thinking I am too controlling or over doing things.

Don't stress too much about this- your attitude will make all the difference here. If you act professional and look at things from a perspective of what is best for the show, others should see that you aren't being controlling. Your job is to facillitate communication so do just that- make sure everyone knows what is going on.

Also it helps your image with other students by talking to the director on the side rather than interrupting rehearsal or speaking in front of everyone when you have a concern. That way you can keep it professional and stay a little more "behind the scenes" while you work.

Hghawley

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Re: High School SM
« Reply #8 on: Feb 13, 2013, 12:23 am »
3) Be on book at all times. You never know when an actor will call 'line'

Ah yes. This job is to me by far the most boring thing ever and it is so hard to stay on track but it does help you become that much more familiar with the script. I pass it off to my ASM when I can if I have one or an actor who is doing nothing.

DCPSM2012

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Re: High School SM
« Reply #9 on: Feb 13, 2013, 12:54 am »

1) Start off differentiating yourself from the cast. They can't see you as a peer. You have to be held to the level of respect they give the director. Make that clear

Alec, you make more than a few decent points, and they are tips I wish I wouldn't have had to learn on my own. However, I feel that you're a bit at fault with your first suggestion. Especially in high school. True, the cast should respect you. However, they should not be made to think (Or influenced to think) that the stage manager is "better" than any other member of the production team or the company. Being respected and being a peer are often the same thing. Stage Managers should be respected- but that respect has to be earned, just like any other position- not asserted.

Sadly (Like most industries) Theatre can be an environment of large egos and little minds.
Respect is key. However, asserting dominance or demanding respect is not. Earning respect will get you places, nrs2014.

Hope this helps!

"You can grow old, but please, please, never grow up. Not all the way."

Logan Duhaime

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Re: High School SM
« Reply #10 on: Apr 28, 2013, 08:03 pm »
I just asm my first show. Usually I act but since it was a spring musical I asmed. To be honest at first I felt I had nothing to do. Then I did and it was stressful but it got better and I loved it. Afther this year my sm leaves for nau and I hope to get sm for next years three shows. Any advice.

Maribeth

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Re: High School SM
« Reply #11 on: Apr 28, 2013, 11:20 pm »
I just asm my first show. Usually I act but since it was a spring musical I asmed. To be honest at first I felt I had nothing to do. Then I did and it was stressful but it got better and I loved it. Afther this year my sm leaves for nau and I hope to get sm for next years three shows. Any advice.

Logan, you may want to make your question more specific. What kind of advice are you looking for, exactly? If you're looking for just general advice about stage managing in high school, I would suggest trying the search bar in the upper right hand corner of the page.

 

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