Stage Manager

Stage Manager’s Duties: Tech to Post-Production

With Examples & Best Practices

Butts Acting Guild

Pre-Production Duties

• Help at auditions.

Technical & Dress Rehearsals

1. Oversee Tech Integration

• Work with designers to coordinate lighting, sound, set, props, and costumes.

• Ensure actors, crew, and technicians know their cues and traffic patterns.

• Record all technical notes into the prompt book for reference.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Run a ‘cue-to-cue’ rehearsal to practice only entrances, exits, and cues.

• Keep clear communication with booth and backstage via headset.

• Stay calm—tech rehearsals are often the most stressful period.

2. Call and Run Rehearsal

• Set up stage for rehearsal (with assistance of cast).

• Give lines as needed.

• Keep a prompt book with detailed blocking notes.

• Call cues for lights, sound, and scene changes during runs.

• Maintain rehearsal pace and safety backstage.

• Give clear notes to crew and report issues to director or producer.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Use consistent, professional cue-calling language (e.g., 'Standby Lights 23… Lights 23, GO!').

• Have backup flashlights, spike tape, and first-aid kit nearby.

• Prepare for quick problem-solving (missing prop, late actor, cue misfire).

Performance Period

3. Run the Show

• Call all cues (lights, sound, projections, curtain, effects).

• Supervise crew and maintain backstage order.

• Ensure performances are consistent each night.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Start every show with a pre-show checklist (props set, actors signed in, crew ready).

• Stay professional under pressure—audience should never sense problems.

• Check in with house management before starting.

4. Handle Emergencies

• Make quick, safe decisions if something goes wrong.

• Communicate calmly with cast, crew, and audience if needed.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Have a protocol for fire alarms, power loss, or medical emergencies.

• Keep emergency contact info for cast and crew in your prompt book.

• If necessary, stop the show safely and restart smoothly.

Post-Production

5. Oversee Strike

• Supervise the breakdown of set, lights, costumes, and props.

• Ensure rented or borrowed items are returned.

• Assist with restoring venue to original condition.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Assign strike tasks before closing night so everyone knows responsibilities.

• Double-check dressing rooms, wings, and storage before leaving.

• Thank crew for their hard work—strike can be exhausting.

6. Provide Closure

• Participate in post-show debrief with cast/crew.

• Archive the prompt book for future productions.

• Celebrate the end of the run with the team.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Write a short SM report of lessons learned.

• Encourage cast/crew feedback for smoother future shows.

• Join cast party or recognition event to build morale.

Summary

In community theatre, the Stage Manager is:

• The operator – runs the technical side of the show

• The communicator – keeps cast, crew, and director aligned

• The problem-solver – handles issues quickly and safely

• The anchor – ensures every performance is consistent