Over the past few weeks, I have read the book, Stage Management -A Guidebook of Practical Techniques by Lawrence Stern. In this book Stern describes stage management down to precise details. The book is laid out in a timeline manner, starting with preproduction responsibilities and characteristics of a good stage manager. Stern says, “A good stage manager must always remain in control of the situation no matter how severe a problem turns out to be" (Stern 9). Stern also states that the stage manager must obtain a copy of the script and thoroughly understand the print before moving on to rehearsals. When a stage manager understands the playwright’s intentions of the production, he or she can make better decisions regarding the success of the show. Next, Sterns stresses the importance of establishing clear rules for the company, along with how to create a master schedule for everyone involved in the production. This will aide in the prevention of many last minute problems. From there, the book goes into great detail about how to run rehearsals and how to call the actual cues. The book ends by several chapters that include key personal traits such as organizational skills and promptness that will aide oneself in obtaining a professional job in a theatre.
Overall, I believe this is a great book that describes the basics, in detail, for an amateur stage manager. I agree with Sterns in that organizational skills are a must for any aspiring stage manager. I also believe that there is a level of professionalism that must be reached in order to be respected and trusted enough by the cast and crew in order for them to take "commands" from a stage manager. I feel that the book could have stressed the need for a good relationship with the crew and company instead of focusing on the details such as making duty rosters.
On the other hand, reading a book about stage management will only get a person so far. Since usually a stage manager starts off his or her career as an assistant stage manager, it is practical to understand that reading a book will not by any means prepare you for the duties you will face backstage. In my opinion, on the job, or for this case, behind the curtain training or observing is absolutely necessary. Without experience in this field of work, one has no idea what work actually goes on behind the scenes in order to make the production a success. As one can see, Stage Management - A Guidebook of Practical Techniques is a great book for someone to read that is interested in stage management, but the only way to improve your skills is to actually go behind the scenes and shadow a professional.
Stern, Lawrence. Stage Management - A Guidebook of Practical Techniques. 3rd ed. Newton, MA: Allyn and Bacon, Inc., 1987. 1-324. Print.
Overall, I believe this is a great book that describes the basics, in detail, for an amateur stage manager. I agree with Sterns in that organizational skills are a must for any aspiring stage manager. I also believe that there is a level of professionalism that must be reached in order to be respected and trusted enough by the cast and crew in order for them to take "commands" from a stage manager. I feel that the book could have stressed the need for a good relationship with the crew and company instead of focusing on the details such as making duty rosters.
On the other hand, reading a book about stage management will only get a person so far. Since usually a stage manager starts off his or her career as an assistant stage manager, it is practical to understand that reading a book will not by any means prepare you for the duties you will face backstage. In my opinion, on the job, or for this case, behind the curtain training or observing is absolutely necessary. Without experience in this field of work, one has no idea what work actually goes on behind the scenes in order to make the production a success. As one can see, Stage Management - A Guidebook of Practical Techniques is a great book for someone to read that is interested in stage management, but the only way to improve your skills is to actually go behind the scenes and shadow a professional.
Stern, Lawrence. Stage Management - A Guidebook of Practical Techniques. 3rd ed. Newton, MA: Allyn and Bacon, Inc., 1987. 1-324. Print.
Nice 100
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