10 things actors can do to get off to a good start with a stage manager

[missliz]

A friend wrote this on her blog (http://www.loisbackstage.com/?p=517), but I thought it was worth sharing here:
___
1. If you’ve never worked with the Stage Manager before? Don’t assume you know how they work

2. Remember that Stage Managers work in your interest. They don’t work for you

3. They don’t get you coffee, you should think about getting them coffee

4. Bring your own pen, pencil, & eraser. The Stage Manager’s are back up – not your first line of defense.

5. Be early. Early is on time. On time is late.

6. Take your own blocking notes. When you do it it’s for character and intention, the Stage Manager is taking them for visual picture and cuing – you can help each other, but one is not a replacement for the other.

7. Express gratitude. (When warranted.)

8.  When the cast goes out for lunch, invite the Stage Manager along. They probably will not be able to join you, but the invitation is nice.

9. The Stage Manager is three steps ahead of you.  At least.  Try to keep up.  (h/t  @lekogirl)

10.  Suggest the 10th item in the comments below.
___

[Mac Calder]

10) Remember that when the SM says "Could you please do xyz now please" they don't really mean "could you please", but rather "go and do this now. Thanks"... Could you please is just our way of being polite.

Number 5 is my pet issue - Especially as I am currently doing crew scheduling. A call time of 10:25 means that you are to be onsite and in position ready to start at 10:25... It does not mean walk through the door at 10:25 in your casual clothes, get change, make a cup of coffee, have a quick chat and think about getting ready some time soon.

[Tempest]

10)  Clean up after yourself.  A stage manager has a million things to do more important than picking up your half empty water bottles, but if you don't pick up after yourself, they have to do that, too.  Want super-extra brownie points?  Pick up after other sloppy cast members, or remind them to do so.

I will always love and adore a particular actor I worked with two years ago.  We were in four different rehearsal spaces, sometimes all in the same day, and after a week of taking five minutes, every time we moved, to clean up water bottles and candy wrappers, I issued a lecture about respecting rental spaces, cleaning up after yourself, the fact that I would also like a break when we moved shop, but I can't take one if I'm cleaning up their trash.  Out of a cast of five, ONE picked up his garbage, and everyone else's from that point forth, AND asked if I needed help with anything.  I'd work with him again, on any project, in a flat minute.

[SM19]

10) Do not tell me how to do my job. I'm a stage manager because I know theatre better than most, so the day that you want to tell me how to do my job properly, is the day you better be SMing a broadway production. PERIOD.

[MatthewShiner]

10) Do not tell me how to do my job. I'm a stage manager because I know theatre better than most, so the day that you want to tell me how to do my job properly, is the day you better be SMing a broadway production. PERIOD.

That seems a little harsh.

I am always looking for ways to do my job better, and don't mind input from other people.

Once I stop learning and adapting, I will think about retiring for this job.

And quite frankly, just because you are SM'ing on Broadway, doesn't mean your good.

[dallas10086]

Remember--when a stage manager asks you to do something, it is usually because a) you were supposed to do it anyway and forgot, b) he/she doesn't want you to look like an idiot, or c) something is about to impale you. Bottom line: your life and ours will run more smoothly if you do 

[kiwitechgirl]

10. The stage manager really does know what they are talking about.  If they ask you to do something, it'll be for a good reason, so please just do it - it's not a starting point for negotiation!

[missliz]

10) Do not tell me how to do my job. I'm a stage manager because I know theatre better than most, so the day that you want to tell me how to do my job properly, is the day you better be SMing a broadway production. PERIOD.

That seems a little harsh.

I am always looking for ways to do my job better, and don't mind input from other people.

Once I stop learning and adapting, I will think about retiring for this job.

And quite frankly, just because you are SM'ing on Broadway, means your good.

It's worded harshly, but it was a maddening experience when an actor followed behind me preshow, questioning everything I did. "I don't think that's the right way to do that...my LAST stage manager...."

[ReyYaySM]

10.  Please and thank you are the magic words. 

[SM19]

LOL Woww...that's the exactly experience I had...it was maddening...That's why I said it Not to be harsh. I"m actually quite nice once you get to know me haahahaha

[ScooterSM]

in addition to the other great things mentioned...

10) On the first day of rehearsal, take a moment to introduce yourself to the SM if you don't know them already.  Remember that the actor only has a couple names to learn (of the SM team), and the SM's may have as many as 100.  Also, please don't be angry if we can't remember your name and need to be reminded.  It should only take a day or two.  (Bribing us with chocolate or coffee will usually speed up the process )

[Celeste_SM]

10) Don't lie. Stage managers are detail oriented, and they usually know when you're lying (perhaps better than you know). I remember that your grandma "died" during the last show, so don't try using that excuse for missing rehearsal on this show. I can check traffic conditions on my phone, so I know that's not why you're running late. I'm here to make things work. Tell me the truth and we'll try to work out the problem.

[maximillionx]

10. Help out.

Just lending a hand makes you seem so much more hard-working in my eye.  Even if it's helping sweep, volunteering to clean, or just asking (even though I don't have anything for you).  It shows me that you're aware and open to the whole show.

[Aerial]

10.  Tell me if you would like something preset a certain way.   Unless it is absolutely impossible, I will make it happen, but I cannot read your mind.  Until I hear otherwise, I set things up in what seems to be the most logical way to me, but I am not the one dealing with the props in the course of the show.  Speak up, and things will be as they work best for you each and every time.

[NomieRae]

10. Remember Stage Managers are people too. We have feelings, bad days, and limits. While we may never let our personal life interfere with our work, understand that outside of rehearsal and performances that we have lives and other people we care about.

While I do hold a dear spot in my heart for my casts and creative teams, there's only so many hours in a day to take care of everyone