Author Topic: SM Tutorial  (Read 2211 times)

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IvoryWonder

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SM Tutorial
« on: Jan 30, 2009, 02:34 pm »
I'm usually the one to train incoming stage managers within my organization, and I wanted to create a sort of "crash course" in SMing to teach them the ropes... For instance, sometimes they get assigned to me three or four days AFTER auditions and/or rehearsals begin, so I don't really have much time to train them before hand, and they don't have much time to actually read up on anything... So what I wanted to do is to create a 10-15 (short) guide on SMing, which covers the essentials but is still relatively comprehensive: auditions, blocking, rehearsals, performance etc...

What I was wondering was everyone's opinion of what I should include. What do you consider the complete essentials, and what should I leave out for new SMs that may be a bit overwhelming until after they have a couple shows under their belt?

Much thanks!

Amie

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Re: SM Tutorial
« Reply #1 on: Jan 30, 2009, 03:17 pm »
I would include:

Info/description of what a stage manager does/is.
What to do during auditions (even if they are not there)
Stage Managers and rehearsals
Basic forms used, etc.

And anything your organization expects of its stage managers.

I would make the guide a two parter. 

One that starts them with the basics up to rehearsal point. That way, when they ARE assigned and working with you, you can teach them more in depth, and provide the second part of the guide. The second part would include:

During rehearsals, blocking (maybe this would be in the first parter), prompt book, preparing for tech, etc.

The second part could be subject matter that is dealt with later on in the process, and therefore, dealt with later on once they get into the swing of things and a handle on the first part...

Does this make sense?
That's my suggestion.  I've trained stage managers before, and it wasn't until AFTER I had done so that I thought "hm...it would have been a good idea to break it down a little better" so this is my thought on that.
~ Amie ~

“This whole creation is essentially subjective, and the dream is the theater where the dreamer is at once: scene, actor, prompter, stage manager, author, audience, and critic.”