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The Stage Management Handbook
The stage manager is the renaissance man of the theater. He or she must have a working knowledge of how the various technical aspects of the theater work (scenery, props, costumes, lights and sound), be part director, part playwright, part designer and part producer, and be prepared to act as confidant, counselor and confessor to everyone else in the company.
This book addresses all of these considerations in detail and offers the reader–professional or amateur, veteran or beginner–helpful guidance and practical advice, supported by many forms and examples to illustrate the points covered in the text.
The three phrases of mounting and performing a show are covered. Part I takes the reader through the pre-production phase–research, the script, planning and organization, and auditions. Part II covers the rehearsal process–rehearsal rules, blocking, cues, prompting, information distribution, technical and dress rehearsals. Part III discusses the performance phase–calling the show, maintaining the director's work, working with understudies and replacements, and more.
Part IV provides insights into the organizational structure or some theaters and aspects of human behavior in those organizations. Many stage managers of long-running commercial productions believe that–once the show is up and running–only ten percent of their work is related to everything covered in Parts I, II and III. The other ninety percent is associated with issues in Part IV; i.e. "managing" human behavior and maintaining working relationships.
This book addresses all of these considerations in detail and offers the reader–professional or amateur, veteran or beginner–helpful guidance and practical advice, supported by many forms and examples to illustrate the points covered in the text.
The three phrases of mounting and performing a show are covered. Part I takes the reader through the pre-production phase–research, the script, planning and organization, and auditions. Part II covers the rehearsal process–rehearsal rules, blocking, cues, prompting, information distribution, technical and dress rehearsals. Part III discusses the performance phase–calling the show, maintaining the director's work, working with understudies and replacements, and more.
Part IV provides insights into the organizational structure or some theaters and aspects of human behavior in those organizations. Many stage managers of long-running commercial productions believe that–once the show is up and running–only ten percent of their work is related to everything covered in Parts I, II and III. The other ninety percent is associated with issues in Part IV; i.e. "managing" human behavior and maintaining working relationships.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 12, 2010
The text itself was a little simplistic for where I am in my career. I don't need a reminder of what the "plaster line" is, or large chunks of the AEA rule book spouted back at me. But some of the forms were phenomenal, and I took a couple of suggestions on how to deal with different sorts of situations.
The problem is that this book, like most others on Stage Management, assumes that you're going to be working for a "fully stocked" company. That you've got an ME, and Wardrobe Msitress, and Dressers, and trained crew that will be there, every show. That is sooooooo rarely the case, that a lot of the suggestions and "rules" from these books just don't apply once you get out there in the REAL world, at least not until you've worked your way up the ladder.
I need a book that suggests how I can be on book, take line and blocking notes, keep an eye on the clock, notate events that are going to affect designers and move everyone from one rehearsal space to another, all at once, and BY MYSELF! This is much closer to my reality, and I've never seen a book address this. Well, except for a quick paragraph that is essentially, "This is the ideal situation, yours may be different."
Mileage may vary, indeed.
The problem is that this book, like most others on Stage Management, assumes that you're going to be working for a "fully stocked" company. That you've got an ME, and Wardrobe Msitress, and Dressers, and trained crew that will be there, every show. That is sooooooo rarely the case, that a lot of the suggestions and "rules" from these books just don't apply once you get out there in the REAL world, at least not until you've worked your way up the ladder.
I need a book that suggests how I can be on book, take line and blocking notes, keep an eye on the clock, notate events that are going to affect designers and move everyone from one rehearsal space to another, all at once, and BY MYSELF! This is much closer to my reality, and I've never seen a book address this. Well, except for a quick paragraph that is essentially, "This is the ideal situation, yours may be different."
Mileage may vary, indeed.
October 24, 2026
A clear and immediately helpful overview to the craft and skill of stage management that has been actively helpful to me as I’ve continued my practice of stage management this year! 4.75 because yes it was written in 1992 so some parts are dated, but with that caveat in mind it’s still a very helpful teacher and reference guide. I can also see this serving as a helpful introduction to the broad world of technical theatre in general.
I think I’ll be returning to this when I need to get my bearings! The author also has some pretty hilarious dry wit slipped in here and there in this otherwise ruthlessly straightforward handbook.
Thanks Dr. S for gifting me this book off your bookshelf when you retired!
I think I’ll be returning to this when I need to get my bearings! The author also has some pretty hilarious dry wit slipped in here and there in this otherwise ruthlessly straightforward handbook.
Thanks Dr. S for gifting me this book off your bookshelf when you retired!
June 24, 2019
Though technically out of date and aimed at beginning professionals, it's a good broad overview of what a stage-manager does and things to consider, which applies to all types of theater up to the present. Perhaps the most valuable insight is to be organized and identify problems early, esp. in getting to understand the particular structure and lines of communication of the particular theater, whether it leans production-focus in structure or project-focused.
March 25, 2020
Very good reference book for beginning stage managers. It may be a little dated now since it does not cover or discuss many of the digital options available for stage managers now. However, it's still a very good primer for anyone wishing to know what a stage manager does. It does especially well discussing many terms and definitions which might be unfamiliar to someone just starting out in the theatrical world.
December 5, 2012
Being a person obsessed with theatre, I loved this book so much. I learned lots of stuff real early. The book itself could be considered a bible to the stage. Spread sheets decorated most of the book which didn't make it the longest read but when there was writing it was complex and detailed. WIth everything from how to document that days work to the proper equity rule toward handing out pay and checks to the actors. Although half of the information is irrelevant to me at this age I think it will serve me purpose later in life. SInce I am 12 years old I learned earlier than people generally do. This book is also great for returning to the information is organized like and encyclopedia so if and answer is needed you can just go back. All of its information has helped me wits assistant stage managing many productions and following along with what is happening.
May 12, 2007
My very first stage menagemnt handbook- an nice selection of forms and formats in the back. They're outdated but they will inspire new formats and forms for you.
Want to Read
May 26, 2008Read it before, but I am going to work on re-reading it this summer. Fantastic guidebook for a stage manager.
May 28, 2008
Got this seven or eight years ago as a Christmas present from my family, right after I jumped into community theatre big time. It's a very good reference.
June 19, 2008
It's ok. It's pretty impractical though. I'm not sure I learned anything from this book that I actually put into practice. Ok, for college kids or community theatres.
August 12, 2009
A very good guide for the beginning stage manager. It has a lot of samples for lists and how to lay out scripts, blocking etc which can be built upon and adapted for specific shows.
August 22, 2010
This was the reference book to my stage management class in college. While the best way to learn is to do it, this is a nice reference to give you at least an idea of what to do.
June 26, 2012
Conclusion: I need a stage manager for my life.
June 14, 2014
A must read, and must keep within reach for any stage manager anywhere!
February 1, 2015
IS good to indtroduce others to stage management it helped my students a lot
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews