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« on: May 12, 2007, 10:48 am »
This is all really interesting. It seems there are differences in the UK but overall the principals of a tech are very similar.
Over here (and I'm speaking in terms of professional commercial theatre now) the Stage Manager always runs the tech. The difference is, is that the SM isn't the one 'On the Book', thats the Deputy Stage Manager. The ASMs then 'run the deck', if you like, running/ managing the crew with the SM.
The DSM will normally always meet with each of the designers before the tech to do a cue-session/ pre-plot. This is where the designers will place the cues in 'The Book' with the DSM. Depending on how technically complex the scene changes are the next thing (after the load-in/ fit-up/ focus/ sound check etc.) would be scene change/ shift rehearsal where the Stage Manager and the Automation Department go change by change choreographing the scene shifts.
Once this is done (if required) and the Lighting and Sound if plotted the tech can start. As far as running the tech is concerned the SM takes overall control. For cue-heavy shows your likely to run all the way through however for more clasical plays perhaps with long monologues you are likely to jump around more. You start at the top and anytime anyone wants to stop (i.e. the DSM on book, Designers, Directors etc.) they must ask the Stage Manager who will call stop. The Stage Manager will then ask the DSM where they should go from in the script and the Stage Manger will reset the stage and actors to this place while the DSM deals with resetting the lighting/ sound etc. When the DSM and all the Designers are happy to resume they will ask the SM to continue and she/ he will communicate this to the cast (normally with a "OK, When your ready Thank-You" - or similar).
This system seems to work really well, especially when you've got a lot of production departments (i.e. Lighting, Sound, AV, Automation, Flys etc.) because the DSM is free to concentrate on practicing calling the show correctly and dealing with the Production Team whereas the SM can deal with the cast onstage/ designers/ director and ASMs. It also means the SMs voice is the only one ever to be heard over the God Mic/ Onstage so its nice and clear for the cast...
Thoughts? Opinions? Views?
Sam x