Stage Management: The Essential Handbook

by Gail Pallin

A practical guide to the complex art of stage management, suitable for theatre professionals, drama students and amateur companies. Features of the book include: technical instruction on cueing, prompting and blocking; advice on the fundamentals, such as how to get a job in theatre; detailed explanation of the structure of a theatre company; tips on setting budgets and keeping to them; health and safety hints; and facts about equity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theatre

154 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Caitlin Riddell]

This is one of those books that I am constantly coming back to in my career and my studies. This is one of my favourite Stage Management resources and it is perfect for any beginner who doesn’t know what Stage Management is, or if they need a quick refresher on props lists, budget sheets, etc. This is a fantastic resource that I will continue to use in my professional and academic work.

[Sofia Stenroos]

I liked it, it was a good introduction to what it means to be a stage manager. I just wished that it would have contained more about working in musical theatre.

[Morgan Saunders]

Just okay

British focused. I was looking for more of a production management book. All in all, not a bad read. No need to read twice.

[Alex]

A well written, engaging, and brief introduction to stage management. Having read several similar American books, the only thing I gained specifically was a clear explanation of British job distinctions and some additional information on propping. The templates provided were also excellent.

While I appreciated the chapters included on management technique and self-care, I thought they were unnecessarily simple and obvious, and wanted more detail.

[Peach]

Great stage management text book - my heavily annotated copy of this book got me through uni!