Stage Manager Responsibilities

As the individual generally in charge of the non-artistic elements of a production, the Stage Manager has a wide variety of responsibilities.  In addition to the standard duties of a Stage Manager and whichever additional duties are negotiated within an individual production, below are listed some of the responsibilities specific to a Stage Manager working a production at Walterdale.

General Responsibilities

In a Walterdale production, the Stage Manager is in charge of the following:

  • Evacuating the cast and crew during an emergency situation.  It is up to the Stage Manager to inform the Cast and Crew of the fire exits and meeting point (the Gazebo in McIntyre Park).
    • If a show is in progress, the Stage Manager may be required to assist the Front-of-House Manager in evacuating the Audience.
  • Ensuring that the cast and crew are keeping the rehearsal space and theatre clean, tidy and stocked with supplies.
    • When rehearsing at the theatre, it is up to the Stage Manager to inform the Production Manager when supplies are running low in both closets and if there is an unusual need for First Aid supplies to be restocked outside the regular schedule.  The Production Manager will contact the Building Director to get more supplies.
  • Informing cast and crew of special dates.
    • e.g. Media Call, Technical Clean, Opening Night Reception, Archival Photos, Strike
  • During the archival photo shoot, arranging the archival photo list to keep the photo shoot running as smoothly and quickly as possible.
    • Also includes posting the photo list for the actors so that they can be ready for the photo shoot and it can run as smoothly as possible
  • If rehearsing at the theatre:
    • Turn on the doorbell and let in the actors as they arrive
    • Ensure all food is put away and the kitchen is clean
    • Take out any full garbage bags
    • Lock up the theatre following the procedures outlined in the Lock-Up Procedures section of this handbook

Technical Week & Run of Show Responsibilities

During Technical Week and Run of Show, the Stage Manager has additional responsibilities.  Below is a recommended procedure for a Stage Manager to follow during these times:

Before Rehearsal/Performance:

  • Fill out the Front-of-House Information Form in the Stage Manager Forms and Worksheets section of the handbook and post it on the bulletin board next to the coffee bar for the Front-of-House Managers for the Run of Show
  • Ensure the stage is swept and mopped
  • Turn off the doorbell
  • Turn off the ringer on the phones in the Green Room and the Shop
  • Check that the lighting crewmembers are present and all lights have been checked out (i.e. functioning correctly, focused, have the correct gels, etc.)
    • This check should be completed at least 30 minutes before the House opens
  • Check that sound crewmembers are present and all sound equipment has been checked out
    • This check should be completed at least 30 minutes before the House opens
  • Check that prop crewmembers are present and are ensuring all props are accounted for and in-place
    • This check should be completed at least 30 minutes before the House opens
  • Re-check all props personally to ensure all are in place for the top of the show
  • Check that wardrobe crewmembers are present and costume inventory is underway and correct and all costumes are accounted for and in-place
    • This check should be completed at least 30 minutes before the House opens
  • Check the sets carefully
    • If one-set show, walk all over the set, ensuring everything is solid, in-place, all working parts in order, etc.
    • If a multi-set show, see that Act I set configuration is set up and ready to go and that other sets are properly positioned for shifts; Ensure all set pieces are solid, safe, and in working order
  • Ensure the entire stage and backstage is clean and clear of extraneous objects (e.g. books, brooms, anything that may get in the way)
  • Turn on program sound
  • Confirm program sound is running in the Green Room
  • Plug in necessary headsets, turn on headset system, and check all equipment is functioning correctly
  • Give the actors and crew the following calls:  1 hour to top of show, 45 minutes, 30 minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes
  • Check in with the Front-of-House Manager and answer any of his/her questions; Confirm you will be opening the house 15 minutes prior to performance
    • If for some reason you will need to hold the house, let the Front-of-House Manager know immediately
  • Ensure you are running pre-show sound and lights before the audience enters
  • Bring the individual(s) ringing the bell to the bell tower 10 minutes prior to performance so they can ring the Walterdale bell

Starting the Rehearsal/Performance:

  • Wait until the Front-of-House Manager gives you the house, either by waving or telling you over the headset
  • Call actors to places
  • Warn lighting, sound and backstage crewmembers that you are getting ready to begin
  • Call for house to go to half at 8:00pm unless Front-of-House Manager orders otherwise
  • Make one last check that everything is ready backstage
  • Cue opening sequence for lights, sound, actors and any other required cues
  • Call the rest of Act I as rehearsed

Intermission Procedure:

  • Ensure all set and prop shifts are completed for the next act
  • Verify that all costume changes are completed
  • Give the actors and crew a 10- and 5-minute call

Start of Act II:

  • Wait until the Front-of-House manager gives you the house, either by waving or telling you over the headset
  • Call actors to places
  • Warn lighting, sound and backstage crewmembers that you are getting ready to begin
  • Take one last check that everything is ready backstage
  • Cue opening sequence for lights, sound, actors and any other required cues
  • Call the rest of Act II as rehearsed

After the Rehearsal/Performance:

  • When house is clear of audience members, turn on stage work-lights, turn off house lights and turn off exterior lights
  • Check in with actors and crew to give any necessary notes
  • Remind the actors and crew to flush the toilets
  • Verify that prop crewmembers strike props and check against their inventory
  • If a multi-set show, ensure all sets are properly stored for the night
  • Set the ghost light onstage
  • Check that dressing rooms have been left tidy
  • Turn on the doorbell
  • Ensure all food is put away and the kitchen is clean
  • Take out any full garbage bags
  • Lock up the theatre following the procedures outlined in the Lock-Up Procedures section of this handbook.