Stage manager prompt book dividers

In modern theatrical productions, the prompt book is generally maintained and kept by the stage manager, with differences in the specific construction and organization to suit the style of the stage manager keeping the book, and the type of production legitimate theatre, musical theatre, dance, opera, etc. Stage management handbook v4 home school of theatre. Not just to remind you, but in case something happens, someone else will be able to read and understand your blocking notations. Posts about prompt book written by awesomestagemanager. Digication eportfolio megan ashlee webb by megan webb at guilford college. Jun 16, 2011 im recreating an old prompt book to use for my college interview at the international thespian festival. The prompt book is a working document that organizes lists, schedules, notes, reports, script, etc. The view from prompt side a stage managers perspective. Promptside recently got in contact with gail to find out more about callq and what it can do for stage managers. Stage management prompt book prompt book format should include. The stage manager of a successfully run production enjoys an incredible amount of pride at a job. Gail pallin, stage management teacher and author of stage management.

Production reports or performance reports cover most of the same items, but happen after. But essentially they all have one function in common. It is a compilation of all blocking, business, light, speech and sound cues, lists of properties, drawings of the set, contact information for the cast and crew, and any other relevant. Professionalquality prompt book which meets the attached prompt book guidelines production photos. With the addition of tabbed divider sheets, the binder can easily become the productions prompt book, keeping the script, set and lighting plots, rehearsal. As actors are struggling to get off book, you or your asm will have to be on book, available to prompt them. Theatre props table stage props list, resources, and search. The stage manager is involved with the production even before the first rehearsal. Choose styles that clearly indicate specific advantages or disadvantages of each document. Rehearsal reports include items like the date, call time, arrival time of cast, material covered in rehearsal, prop notes, lighting notes, set notes, costume notes, and any other items to the production staff.

Prompt book 3 ring binder, dividers, hole punch, 2. There is no official way to create or maintain a prompt script. This valuable document should always be kept in a secure place. Stage manager responsibility check list, all responsibilities assigned to the psmasm 10 pts crew jobs. Also, is there anything i can do to my prompt books to make them look more professional. Prompt book definition of prompt book by the free dictionary.

Stage management handbook v4 west virginia university. Essentials of stage management by peter maccoy, the stage management handbook by daniel a. A couple of good items to add to your prompt book are rehearsal reports and production reports. Prompt book academic dictionaries and encyclopedias. Script stage managers prompt book, undated new york public library digital collections.

With this question at the heart of all your actions as a stage manager, you will. The awardwinning animated film and stage play comes to life in this romantic and beloved take on the. Putting your prompt book and calling script into a computer is a much better option than using. With the addition of tabbed divider sheets, the binder can easily become the productions prompt book, keeping the script, set and lighting plots, rehearsal reports and various paperwork in one place. The prompt book or show bible is a master copy of the script and contains. The stage manager should begin creating a prompt book by purchasing a three ring. The prompt book, also called transcript, the bible or sometimes simply the book, is the copy of. Awesome stage manager all the world may be a stage, but not. The prompt book should be sectioned off with the following tab dividers, with the listed information under these headings. Accept responsibility keep their cool keep their eyes and ears open and know when to share their opinions. The prompt book the prompt book is a working document that organizes lists, schedules, notes, reports, script, etc.

Large 3 ring binder prompt book postit notes stapler and hole punch hole reenforcers file dividers and folders large eraser and spares lots of pencils pencil sharpener highlighter pens large black marker fine black marker pens include red and green scale ruler and regular ruler 25 measuring tape cloth tape measure chalk line snap linechalk. Prompt book book that is a copy of the script which the stage manager created that has all of the blocking and rehearsal notes, tech cues and other instructions written into it so that the stage manager can call the show. Prompt book basics prompt books come in all shapes and sizes, designed for slightly different purposes or for use by people in different roles within the theatre. It is one of the elements of stage managements that shows the most personality, as every stage manager has a slightly different style. A midsummer nights dreamstage managerdirected by david hammondsternberger auditorium, guilford collegegreensboro, nc blockingprompt bookblocking for a midsummer nights dream was similar to company in that there was a lot of movement and some choreographyfight and dance. Managing the show training student stage managers by lisa mulcahy t he job of stage manager is arguably the most demanding task one can tackle in the theatre. Tiffany is fresh out of college and she started stage managing as a senior in high school, having no idea how to put together prompt book or call a show. And make sure you keep a copy of your blocking key in your prompt book. All materials should be portfolio quality and will be returned once the project grades have been submitted. Jul 26, 2010 there is no official way to create or maintain a prompt script. Compare three samples of the following types of forms used by stage managers. They are the lines of communication between actors, director, designers, technical staff, and front of house exc.

The prompt book, also called promptbook, transcript, or sometimes simply the book, is the copy of a production script that contains the information necessary to create the production from the ground up. Once a show goes up, i keep my prompt book at the theatre. Jul 15, 2012 the stage management handbook by daniel a. Outline the change you purpose and the reason for this proposal. Far more than just calling cues, the stage managers position starts months before rehearsal and continues at 110% throughout the run, maintaining the. Formatted exactly the same as our normal librettovocal books 7. Usually a prompt book is contained in a 3 ring binder and uses tabbed dividers to separate out the different sections.

This is my favorite, goto resource for forms, ideas, information and explanations. One of my stage manager friends suggested creating a cover page for the front cover of the prompt book binder, has anyone done this and if so, how do i make it look professional. The prompt book holds all the information about the performance. This will be based on a script of your choice, made ready for production, as if you were the stage manager. Modern prompt books will tend to be constructed using binders with multiple tab dividers, with the page of the production. Blockit is a web app for stage managers to create a digital prompt book. See more ideas about teaching theatre, stage and theatre stage. The prompt script is the stage managers tool the formal record of the production sometimes nicknamed the bible. The primary prompt book should have any and all information about a production in it incase the director, producer, anyone needs information. A production can be recreated from the information in the prompt. The stage manager may be asked to provide samples to be left with the department for archival and assessment purposes. Notes made by the owner of the prompt book who could be a stage manager, an actor or any other theatrical professional to give further guidance about how a scene should be performed, how actors should deliver lines, where they should be positioned etc. Jan 24, 2008 im having my stage manager production book entered into a theatre festival. For a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage management by lawrence stern.

Although i was only the asm for the show, my script was the one they ended up using for the show as i had all of the blocking and cues my main sm was a few screws shy of a platform. Keep their eyes and ears open and know when to share their. In your own words, on a single typewritten page for each document, decribe the features of each document and how it might be better organized, more functional, or better formatted than other examples. The member of stage management often the dsm cueing the show is said. Prompt book synonyms, prompt book pronunciation, prompt book translation, english dictionary definition of prompt book. This is a foundation and development package for a. Promptbook definition of promptbook by the free dictionary. Its sometimes known as the book, prompt copy or prompt script. The essential handbook, together with partner and software developer iain, have created callq simulation software that teaches the user how to call a show. Checklistspreshow listed itinerary of all tasks to be completed before house opens until the show begins, including all. Actors sitting around with nothing to do always make more work for a stage manager, so if you can call them a little later, you should. The sm should be one of the most informed and knowledgeable people in the production staff.

See more ideas about stage, theatre stage and stage crew. It contains the script with all the blocking and cues. For a refresher on the characteristics of a good stage manager, take a look at the book stage. Kit prior to the start of rehearsals, and maybe even before the auditions, you should put together some kind of stage management kit. Billy rose theatre division, the new york public library. Prompt book layout, including cueing notation preshow check list performance report 4. His eight points explain perfectly what makes a good stage manager the best. Stage manager scripts are enlarged and printed, singlesided, on standard 8. This isnt my first sm book but it is my first time having it graded. Turn your prompt book in to laurie by the end of the day following your strike. In the world of professional theatre, the stage manager is one of the most important players. Im having my stage manager production book entered into a theatre festival. Generally a lead stage manager will keep the master book, which is then copied by assistants on a. Preparing your prompt book 5 prerehearsal meeting with director or choreographer 6 running rehearsals 7.

The stage managers toolkit provides a comprehensive account of the role of the stage manager for live theatre with a focus on both written and verbal communication best practices. I divide each section of my binder with extra wide 8section dividers the extra wide stick out past sheet protectors. Managing the show training student stage managers by lisa mulcahy t he job of stage manager is argu. The stage manager keeps the book and uses it to call the show. Information and translations of prompt book in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Prompt books are some of the most important records of theatrical.

This week, we are talking to stage manager tiffany lyn meadows who is down in florida who is not dealing with this horrific winter. The book outlines the duties of the stage manager and assistant stage manager throughout a production, discussing not only what to do but why. Script stage managers prompt book, undated nypl digital. Stage management is an art that is learned through extended study, mentoring, and experience.

Follow these steps and your stage manager will be ready to go in no time. Stage management workshop the rural root theatre company. The prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues, and is used by the deputy stage manager to run. The prompt book should be in a 3 ring binder with labeled dividers between each section.

Help the stage manager with scripts and other paperwork for the first day. Samples should show how the same information can be organized in three distinct ways. Just anything you think i should keep in mind feel free to say it. Letss say on tuesday, the director blocks cassio to exit downstage prompt side on p. The prompt script should be wellorganized, detailed and neat in order for. How to prepare a stage managers prompt book theatrefolk. It covers every part of the sm process from preproduction through performance as well as a section dealing with politics and the managing of people. Queen elinor seated on a stool, on the kings r right. Digication eportfolio megan ashlee webb blockingprompt. The prompt book is the master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues, and is used by the deputy stage manager to run rehearsals and later, control the performance. Preparing your stage management kit 4 preparing your prompt book 5. The prompt book also contains contact information, lists of props, rehearsal notes, everything.

Use some dividers or postit notes on the edge of a sheet of paper to make. How to become a good stage manager with pictures wikihow. If you would like to propose a revision to this handbook, please email the production manager. Awesome stage manager all the world may be a stage, but.