How do you develop the craft and skills of stage management for today's theatre industry? And how can these same skills be applied in a variety of entertainment settings to help you develop a rewarding and successful career?
Drawing on his diverse experience working with companies from across the performing arts spectrum in venues from the Hollywood Bowl to the Barbican Centre in London, Michael Vitale offers a practical resource on the art of stage management for new and established stage managers. Besides providing detailed coverage of the role within theatre, the book uniquely explores the field of stage management in numerous branches of the entertainment industry. From theatre, opera, and theme parks, to cruise ships, special events, and dance, stage managers are an integral part of keeping productions running, and this book offers guidance on each distinct area to equip you for a varied and successful career.
Written with candour and filled with real-world examples, the book examines the nuts and bolts of the job at each stage of the production process: from preproduction, room rehearsal, technical rehearsal, through to running the show. Vitale considers the skills needed to work with a myriad of different people, explores the traits of a successful stage manager, and helps you to hone and evaluate your own practice.
Whether you are exploring the field for the first time or are a veteran looking to diversify your resumé, Introduction to the Art of Stage Management will provide insight, practical information, and useful tips to help along the way.
An accompanying Companion Website features a range of time-saving templates and forms, such as schedule templates and scene samples.
https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/introduction-to-the-art-of-stage-management-9781474257190/
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: ROLE OF THE STAGE MANAGER
Who's Who
Assembling the Team
The Argument for Artist
Archetypes of Stage Managers
CHAPTER 2: PRE-PRODUCTION
Reading the Script
The Prep Week
Production Meetings
Tips and Tricks for Running a Production Meeting
The Stage Manager's Kit
Preparing the Prompt Book
CHAPTER 3: THE PRODUCTION PROCESS- REHEARSAL ROOM
Running Rehearsals
Preparing the Space
Blocking Notation
Rehearsal Reports
The Final Days
CHAPTER 4: THE PRODUCTION PROCESS- TECHNICAL REHEARSALS
Getting the Stage Ready
Arrivals
Calling the Show
Integrating the Crew
CHAPTER 5: RUNNING THE SHOW
Maintaining the Show
Safety Calls & Brush Ups
Company Morale
CHAPTER 6: WORKING WITH OTHERS
Teamwork and Collaboration
Conflict in the Room
Problems from Within
The Good Stuff
Building a Strong Team Dynamic
Patience and Communication
CHAPTER 7: ROLE OF THE STAGE MANAGER: OPERA
Organization
The Process
The Score
The Who, What, Where
Room Rehearsals
Tech
Performance
CHAPTER 8: ROLE OF THE STAGE MANAGER: MUSIC
Classical Music
Working with Artists
Blurring the Lines
Other Music Styles
Considerations of a Production/Tour Manager
CHAPTER 9: ROLE OF THE STAGE MANAGER: SPECIAL EVENTS
The Initial Meeting
Making It Happen
CHAPTER 10: ROLE OF THE STAGE MANAGER: THEME PARKS
The Structure
By the Numbers
Theme Park Offerings
What Makes a Theme Park Different
A Day in the Life of a Theme Park Stage Manager
CHAPTER 11: ROLE OF THE STAGE MANAGER: CRUISE SHIPS
The Production Process
The Shows
Other Responsibilities
The Experience
CHAPTER 12: OTHER AVENUES FOR YOU STAGE MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Dance
Careers in the Theatre
Other Industries
CONCLUSION
A Note on the Author
Notes
Further Reading
Index
