Lesson 1 - Understanding British Theatre - 13/10/16

Developing understanding of stage management in British Theatre

In this lesson we looked at roles within the theatre industry as well as key theatre terminology.

Front of House Calls

The Half
35 minutes before the start of the performance and 30 minutes before the actors should be in their places.
Beginners 
The call, "Act 1 Beginners to the stage, please", by the Stage Manager brings all the actors who perform in the first part of the play to the stage. Their names are then read up. A similar call is given after the interval with, "Act 2 Beginners to the stage."
Clearance
The front of House Message informs the Stage Manager that everybody is in their seat and there are no more coach parties to arrive. This is announced as "we have front of house clearance."
Cue to Cue aka Tapping and Tailing
Tapping and Tailing is the skipping out of action sequences in order to save time.
"We jump to the next scene and start  up again on Simon's line 'and so on and so forth'"
Dress Rehearsal
This is a full rehearsal with all technical elements included. This is the performance the audience will view on the night.
Marking Out
This is when the Stage Manager marks out the location of the scenery in the rehearsal room. This gets the actors familiarised to the proportions and layout of the set. It is worth noting that certain types of tape may damage certain types of flooring
Prompt Desk
The prompt desk is located on stage left and contains a prompt book, which is a master copy of the script that contains every prompt within the show, including actor movements and technical prompts. The prompt book also contains every possible issue and concern about the show. It also contains information about the venue and emergency numbers for all of the cast and crew. In addition to the prompt book, the prompt desk contains a clock, low level lighting, a flat surface, communication facilities to other departments, an emergency phone, show reports, a front of house calls system and any information that may be required over the course of the show. Show reports contain any problems with the show, running times, the staff and audience numbers.
Stage Left and Right
The actor's point of view when they are on stage and looking at the audience.
Up Stage is towards the audience and Down Stage is away from them.
Technical Rehearsal
The first run through of the show that includes all technical elements, namely lighting scenery and sound. Costumes may or may not be used. A dry tech is without actors and is only used to test the integration of lighting and scenic changes, A wet tech is a technical rehearsal with all the actors and technical elements present,
Run Through
This is typically done just after the set has been built or rebuilt when actors and crew go through moves to make sure everything runs smoothly and there are no problems. Particularly relevant for operas in rep that have their stages reassembled every day.
Production process
1) Commitment
2) Script read
3) Analyse
4) Crew production meeting
5) Meet and greet with cast
6) Rehearsals
7) Dramatic elements built
8) Fit up
9) Get in
10) Walk through
11) Tech rehearsal
12) Dress rehearsal
13) Show time
14) Get out
15) Evaluation
Blocking
A blocking list is a complete, detailed list of an actor's movement's on stage. Usually compiled by the DSM. Usually written in shorthand to save time. An example of notation is included below and to the right is an example of my attempt at writing blocking directions. I made a single mistake where I forgot to refer to area of stage left.
References
https://awesomestagemanager.wordpress.com/category/prompt-book/

Study Task
What would you expect to find in a stage manager's toolkit?
General
Rubbers
Tape Measure - 50ft
Pens
Tape - masking, glow, marking, stage, spike, gaffer
Pencils
Birthday candles
Torch x 2
Notebook
Stapler
Staple Remover
Post it notes
Elastic Bands
Paper clips
Scissors
Glue stick
Note pads
Sharpies
Utility knife
Stop watch
Batteries
Spare Change
Tweezers
Calculator
Black Labels
Blank CDs
Highlighters
Coloured pencils/pens
bluetac
-
battery tester
Wire
Convinience/Health
Nail File
Breath mints/ Chewing gum
Vaseline
Throat Soothers
Pain Killers
Saline Solution
Ant Acids
Hand Sanitiser
Wet wipes
Tampons/pads
Medical tape
Bandages/ plasters
Bottled water and orange juice
Coffee filters
Instant coffee
Sugar/ Sweeteners
Hair ties
Zip-lock bags
Eye drops
Phone charger - multipurpose
Q tips
Extra toothbrush + Tooth paste
Snacks
Wardrobe
Needles - vaious sizes
Threads - various colours
Clear nail polish
Measuring Tape
Safety Pins
Glasses Repair Kit
Lint Roller
Extra buttons
Extra hooks/eyes-----
Extra Snaps----
Fabric scissors
Stain removing pen
My also include
Screw drivers - multiple heads and possibly charger
Hammers
Nails/screws
Hack Saw
Multipurpose wrench
References
http://www.loisbackstage.com/?p=323
http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/theater/stage-manager2.htm