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The most active amateur company in Cheltenham
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THE
PLAYHOUSE THEATRE, BATH ROAD, CHELTENHAM, GL53 7HG STAGE MANAGEMENT/SET BUILDER
• A Risk
Assessment of each show is required by the Theatre Committee – pro-formas are
provided for this. Role
& Responsibilities The Stage Manager is In overall charge of the theatre from approx 1 hour
before each performance until after the last person involved has left.
He/She must: • Ensure the theatre and all required areas
within it are open and accessible e.g. fire doors, emergency escape routes,
dressing rooms, scenery and props stores, lighting and sound operators’
places.
• Make sure the
performance is ready to go: check all required people are present e.g. Front of
House Manager, Lighting and Sound Operators, Props and Stage Crew, Cast, Prompt,
Orchestra (if applicable); and to check scenery and props are in the right
places, lights are on and curtains closed (if appropriate).
• Get the
performance started as near the correct time as possible.
• Make sure the
performance runs smoothly e.g. giving cues and instructions to technicians and
checking cast are on stage in good time for their entrances.
• Handle any
problems and emergencies.
• Report any
accidents and health & safety issues.
• Lock up and put
out the lights.
• At the end of
the run, ensure all scenery etc. is removed, and that the theatre is ready to
receive the next show. On the last
night, it is usual for the Stage Manager to request that all cast and crew be at
the theatre on the Sunday morning to clear everything away and clean up, by 1pm.
• It is important
that all items being returned understage be put back in the correct places to
maintain the tidiness and accessibility of storage.
• Sunday handover
(usually 1pm): please sign the sheet with the incoming Stage Manager.
If you know you are going to complete before 1pm, then please liaise with
incoming Stage Manager and Theatre Handover Representative.
• The SM is to
ring/inform the Box Office on the morning of the opening night, to give the
times of interval and show end. Liaise
with: The Front of House Manager. Everybody involved with the performance. How?:
• The opening and
closing of the theatre can be handled by anyone with sufficient knowledge of the
theatre.
• The running of
the show requires knowledge of the particular play (or musical).
Absolute minimum input to gain this knowledge is attendance at rehearsals
of the complete play and use of ‘The Book’, which is a copy of the script in
which is written all essential cues and other instructions you need.
• Stage Managers
will sometimes be willing to assist with set building.
• You will need
to organise a backstage crew to assist with any scene changes etc. ASSISTANT
STAGE MANAGER Will assist the Stage Manager in the setting up and running of the show,
liaising with the Director and Production Secretary. This is a very good way of
learning the ropes and getting to know everyone involved. How? • By attending rehearsals to gain a thorough
knowledge of all aspects of the production e.g. where cues are needed, cast
entrances and exits, and act as the back-stage eyes and ears on what the
Director is doing.
• Make up ‘The
Book’ by writing in everything that is needed to make the performance run
smoothly and as the Director intends.
• To follow
instructions written in The Book during performances e.g. issuing cues to cast
and crew as necessary. Liaise
with: Everybody. SET BUILDER / STAGE CARPENTER To deliver on stage a completed set to the Designer’s specification. How? • By attending early production meetings with
the Director, Designers and Managers of the backstage teams, to establish the
requirements of the production.
• Being aware of
the theatre stock of materials and advising on what is or is not possible; and
advising on costs for the budget.
• If the designer
does not do it, to make detailed stage plans of the entire set and the items to
be constructed.
• Agree
boundaries with the props team.
• Acquire
materials either from stock or by purchasing.
• During the 2-3
weeks prior to the first night, organise the assembling of all scenery (flats
and rostra) and other specialist items in the theatre workshop.
• On ‘fit-up’
day (usually the Sunday before the show opens) erect the scenery.
• Show the Stage
Manager and Crew how it works - if there are moving parts or scene changes. Desirable
skills: Carpentry. Knowledge and understanding of the facilities of the theatre. Liaise
with: Designer, Director, Stage Manager, Props Team, Company Treasurer. Assistance It is usual and recommended that you have a number of assistants to help
with the set building; minimum requirement is knowing which is the business end
of a screwdriver, a hammer and a saw. Additional carpentry skills are a bonus. STAGE
CREW To move scenery during the course of the performances. Will usually be the people who have assisted in the set-building. |
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© The Playhouse Company Cheltenham, UK |
