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« on: Dec 07, 2006, 03:06 pm »
I've stage managed the past 3 seasons for a company of playwrights - everything we do is a new work! I know it can seem like hell sometimes. All of the tips given so far are great - I have just a few others.
First off, along with my prompt book, I keep a giant binder which is just the progression of the script. I put the original version in first and then just add copies of any changes made (I use dividers to separate each date). Often, the director or playwright will come to you two weeks after making a change and say "I like what we used to have, do you know what it is?" This way, you can just flip to that date in your binder and find it easily. (I use a form similar to what was suggested above w/Original line and new line). At the end of the show, I typically give the binder to the playwright - it's nice for them to have that process documented.
Also, as much as possible, when formatting the script (if you are the one doing it - which I recommend!) - insert as many section breaks as possible between scenes. This way, if pages are deleted from one scene - especially early in the script - you can keep the other page #s the same (it may seem weird to have a script with missing pages, but I've found this easier in the end). If pages are added to one scene - you can use letters (page 10a) so again, the rest of the script keeps the same numbers - this way you can save on the amount of the script you actually have to reprint. This of course, is for large changes that can't easily e written in.
Most importantly, I've learned that it's so important to make sure all actors have changes before rehearsal. There's nothing more frustrating than running a scene and having to stop to give line changes. Talk to the director about taking 5-10 minutes to give changes at the end or start of each rehearsal. I've learned that if you do it right, this shouldn't really take very long. The way I say changes is something like this:
"Page 53, halfway down. Lucy's line "It's so cold outside tonight". Change 'so cold' to 'freezing' and 'tonight' to 'this evening'. Cut 'outside'. It should read 'It's freezing this evening'."
A silly example because the line's so short, but you get the point. It gives everyone a chance to write the changes and hear how it should sound so they can make sure they got it. This way you won't have to stop to clarify as often.
I hope some of this is useful - good luck! Have fun - it's exciting to work on a new script!