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At a glance
What it is
Expert stage management guidance covering production management, cue calling, technical rehearsal procedures, and essential paperwork for theater and live event production.
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Length 536 lines3,183 words, about 15 min read
Category Creative artsperforming arts
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Open source license
Skill Guard creative-writing performing-arts checklist template guide step-by-step beginner-friendly quick-reference Paste it into your agent's instructions (CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md or a custom GPT), or add it to a bot in Murage.
Intermediate
User needs guidance on stage management guide concepts
User wants to implement or improve their approach to stage management guide
The request falls outside the scope of stage management guide
User needs a different specialized skill for their specific situation
The topic requires professional consultation beyond general guidance
Questions to Ask First What type of production are you managing (play, musical, dance, opera, live event, corporate)?
What is the scale (community theater, educational, professional, touring)?
What phase is the production in (pre-production, rehearsal, tech, performance)?
What is your experience level with stage management?
How large is the production team (actors, crew, designers)?
What are the venue capabilities (fly system, lighting grid, sound system)?
What is the timeline from first rehearsal to opening?
Do you have assistant stage managers or are you solo?
Pre-Production
First Production Meeting Prepare and distribute the following:
First rehearsal date and read-through
Rehearsal schedule framework (days, times, location)
Design deadline dates (final designs due to shops)
Production meeting schedule (weekly or biweekly)
Technical rehearsal dates
Dress rehearsals
Preview and opening dates
Performance run and closing date
Every member of the production team with phone, email, and role
Emergency contacts for company members
Venue contact numbers (box office, security, facilities)
Distribute updated version whenever information changes
Script Analysis Preparation
Read the script thoroughly before the first meeting
Prepare a preliminary scene breakdown
Note technical requirements mentioned in the script
Identify potential staging challenges
List questions for the director and designers
Script Analysis and Breakdown Scene Page Characters Present Location Time Notes 1.1 1-8 Alice, Bob, Carol Kitchen, morning 5 min Breakfast scene, practical stove 1.2 9-15 Alice, Dave Office 3 min Phone rings on cue
Character entrances and exits (every appearance per scene)
Costume changes (when and how quickly)
Prop requirements per scene (who uses what, when)
Sound effects mentioned in the text
Lighting requirements implied by the text (time of day, mood)
Scenic changes between scenes
Special effects (fog, fire, water, breakaway objects)
Quick changes that may need assistance
Rehearsal Room Preparation Tape out the set on the rehearsal floor (use scenic ground plan at scale)
Use different colors for different scenic elements
Mark sightlines from extreme audience positions
Set up a stage management table with clear view of the playing space
Prepare sign-in sheet, rehearsal report template, and first-day packet
Stock supplies: tape, pencils, first aid kit, stopwatch, flashlight
First-Day Packet for Company:
Production calendar
Contact sheet
Rehearsal schedule (first two weeks minimum)
Company rules and expectations
Venue information (parking, restrooms, rehearsal room access)
Emergency procedures
Rehearsal Management
Daily Rehearsal Procedure Arrive 30 minutes early
Set up rehearsal furniture and props per the day's scenes
Post the daily schedule visibly in the rehearsal room
Check in with the director about the day's plan and priorities
Prepare sign-in sheet
Call places for the start of each run or scene
Maintain the blocking notation (the prompt book)
Track all staging decisions, changes, and director notes
Keep a running prop and costume list based on rehearsal discoveries
Note any technical or design needs that arise
Time each scene run for pacing reference
Call breaks on time (union rules or agreed schedule)
Complete and distribute the rehearsal report (same day)
Reset the room for the next day
Update the prompt book with any blocking changes
Communicate urgent needs to the relevant departments
Update the schedule if any changes were made
The Prompt Book (Calling Script) The prompt book is the stage manager's most critical tool.
Clean copy of the script in a three-ring binder
Each page in a page protector for easy notation
Blank pages opposite each script page for blocking notation
Blocking recorded in pencil (it will change)
Cue notations added during paper tech and technical rehearsals
Blocking Notation System:
Use a consistent system of abbreviations
Common abbreviations: X = cross, DL = down left, UC = up center, etc.
Character abbreviations: first letter or first two letters
Draw movement paths on ground plan diagrams
Note timing and motivation for moves
Update immediately when blocking changes
Upstage (US)
UL UC UR
Left Center Right
(SL) (C) (SR)
DL DC DR
Downstage (DS)
(Audience)Note: Stage directions are from the performer's perspective facing the audience.
Rehearsal Reports Distribute to the entire production team after every rehearsal.
Section Content Header Production name, date, rehearsal number, attendance General Notes affecting the full team, schedule changes Scenic Set needs, furniture requests, discovery from staging Lighting New lighting needs, timing notes, atmospheric requests Sound Sound effect needs, music cues, microphone notes Costumes Costume needs, quick-change discoveries, fitting requests Props New props needed, changes to existing props, cut props Hair/Makeup Wig needs, special makeup effects, timing concerns Management Scheduling issues, company concerns, general logistics Running Time Scene-by-scene timing if applicable
Send within 2 hours of rehearsal ending
Email to all department heads, director, producers
Be specific: "We need a red umbrella that opens reliably" not "umbrella needed"
Number reports sequentially for easy reference
Include responses to previous report queries
Technical Rehearsals
Paper Tech A meeting (no actors) to create the cue sequence.
Stage manager, director, and all designers sit with the script
Go through the script page by page
Discuss and place every technical cue: lights, sound, scenic moves, projections
Number cues sequentially by department (LX1, LX2, SQ1, SQ2, etc.)
Record cue placement in the prompt book
Note the action or line that triggers each cue (the "go" point)
Duration: typically 2-4 hours for a full-length production
Dry Tech Technical rehearsal without actors.
Run through all scenic changes, light cues, and sound cues
Practice cue sequences and timing without the pressure of performers
Troubleshoot technical problems
Set crew practices scene changes
Stage manager practices calling cues in sequence
Duration: 4-8 hours depending on complexity
Wet Tech (Cue-to-Cue) Technical rehearsal with actors, jumping from cue to cue.
Start at the top of the show
Run until you reach a technical cue point
Set the cue, practice it, refine timing
Skip dialogue to the next cue point
Repeat through the entire show
Focus is on technical elements, not performance
Actors hold for technical adjustments; patience required
Stage Manager's Role During Cue-to-Cue:
Call cues via headset to all departments
Note cue timing and sequence in the prompt book
Communicate between director (in the house) and actors (on stage)
Track which cues are set and which need rework
Maintain the schedule; keep the rehearsal moving efficiently
Call breaks on time
Full Tech Run Run the entire show with all technical elements
Stop only for safety concerns or major technical failures
Take notes but do not interrupt for minor issues
This is the stage manager's first opportunity to practice calling the complete show
Notes session follows the run
Dress Rehearsals Full run with costumes, hair, makeup, and all technical elements
Simulate performance conditions as closely as possible
Notes session after each dress rehearsal
Final dress: run exactly as a performance, no stops
Stage manager calls the show as they will in performance
Cue Calling
The Calling Sequence Standard cue calling uses a three-part sequence:
Warn/Standby : Alert the operator that a cue is coming
"Standby Light Cue 47"
Called 10-30 seconds before the cue
Operator acknowledges: "Standing by"
Visual/Ready check : Ensure everything is in position
Visual confirmation that actors are in place
Verify previous cue has completed
Go : Execute the cue
"Light Cue 47, GO"
"GO" must be spoken clearly and decisively
The word "GO" is sacred; never say it casually on headset
Calling Conventions Never say "GO" outside of an actual cue call on headset
Use "standby" and "go" consistently; do not vary the language
Group simultaneous cues: "Light Cue 47 and Sound Cue 22, GO"
For sequences: "Light Cue 47, GO... Sound Cue 22, GO" with appropriate timing
Call cues on the beat, not ahead or behind (unless a specific offset is needed)
Practice the rhythm; cue calling is a performance in itself
Cue Notation in the Prompt Book Symbol Meaning STBY LX 47 Standby Light Cue 47 GO LX 47 Execute Light Cue 47 STBY SQ 22 Standby Sound Cue 22 WARN FLY 3 Warn Fly Cue 3 (scenic movement) A/GO LX 48 Auto-follow (programmed follow; no separate call) VISUAL Wait for visual confirmation before calling GO
Write cue standby and go points in the margins of the prompt book
Draw a line from the cue to the exact word or action that triggers it
Use colored pencils: one color per department for clarity
Pencil only; cues will change during tech
Complex Cue Sequences Group on one "GO": "Light 47, Sound 22, GO"
Practice the grouping; multiple department names before one GO word
Sequential Cues (Rapid Fire):
Call each individually with precise timing
"Light 47, GO... (beat) Sound 22, GO... (beat) Light 48, GO"
The rhythm between GOs is the critical skill
Practice with the script and a metronome or music track
Cues programmed to automatically follow after a set time
Still warn the operator; note as A/GO in the book
Track the follow time in your notes
Called on a stage action rather than a line of dialogue
Mark as VISUAL in the book
More challenging to time consistently; practice extensively
Examples: actor reaches the door, actor sits down, curtain hits the floor
Pre-Show Procedure Two Hours Before Curtain:
Arrive, check voicemail and email for company issues
Walk the stage: verify set is correct, check for safety issues
Confirm all crew are present or accounted for
Open the house (allow audience entry) at designated time
Conduct fight call or dance call if applicable
Half-hour call to company: "Half hour, please. Half hour."
Verify all departments report ready
Half-hour call is traditionally the first call
Company sign-in sheet should be complete
Check with all department heads: lights, sound, scenic, wardrobe, props
"Fifteen minutes, please. Fifteen minutes."
All performers should be in the building
"Five minutes to places, please."
Final check with all departments
"Places, please. Places."
Wait for all departments to report ready
Confirm house is ready (front of house manager)
"House is open / House is closed" communication
Call the first cue to begin the show
Call cues cleanly and consistently
Monitor the show for deviations from blocking
Track running time per scene and total
Note any issues for the performance report
Manage intermission timing
Communicate with front of house about late seating, emergencies
After every performance, distribute a report including:
Performance number and date
Attendance (if provided by box office)
Running times per act and total
Comparison to previous performance times
Notes on any deviations, technical issues, or actor notes
Audience response notes (if notable)
Maintenance issues (broken props, costume repairs needed)
Any safety concerns
Maintaining the Show (Long Run) Conduct brush-up rehearsals as needed (with director's guidance)
Document the show thoroughly so a replacement SM could step in
Monitor for "drift": actors gradually changing blocking, pacing, or business
Call line notes if dialogue is drifting from the script
Coordinate understudy and swing rehearsals
Manage put-ins (new cast members replacing departing ones)
Essential Paperwork
Document Checklist Document When Created Updated Production calendar Pre-production As needed Contact sheet Pre-production As needed Scene breakdown Pre-production During rehearsal Character/scene matrix Pre-production During rehearsal Rehearsal schedule Weekly Daily as needed Rehearsal reports After each rehearsal N/A (new each day) Blocking notation (prompt book) During rehearsal Continuously Prop tracking list During rehearsal Continuously Costume quick-change plot During rehearsal Through tech Cue sheet (calling script) Paper tech through tech Through opening Run sheet (crew) Tech rehearsals Through opening Preset checklist Tech rehearsals Through opening Performance reports Each performance N/A (new each show) Sign-in sheets Each rehearsal and performance N/A
Preset Checklist A detailed list of where every prop, set piece, and technical element must be before the show begins:
Newspaper (folded, section A on top)
Coffee mug (empty, handle stage left)
Briefcase (closed, standing upright)
Cell phone (turned on, set to vibrate)
Umbrella (closed, hanging from hook)
Grocery bag (filled with props per list)
Every item has a specific location, orientation, and condition. Photos of preset positions are invaluable.
Run Sheets Step-by-step instructions for each crew member per scene:
Example: Deck Crew Run Sheet
Cue Action Who When Scene change 1-2 Strike kitchen table and chairs SR Crew A + B Blackout after Scene 1 Scene change 1-2 Preset office desk and chair from SL Crew C Simultaneous with above Scene change 1-2 Set telephone on desk, cord plugged Crew C After desk is set Scene change 1-2 Check desk lamp is plugged in and off Crew C Before calling clear
Communication
Headset Etiquette Clear, concise communication only
No casual conversation during show (keep the channel clear)
Acknowledge instructions: "Copy" or "Standing by"
Report problems immediately: "Hold please" if a safety issue arises
"Thank you" or "Go ahead" to acknowledge communications
Stage manager has priority on the channel at all times
Company Communication Be the calm center of the production
Communicate schedule changes promptly and in writing
Never relay directorial notes; that is the director's role
Handle interpersonal conflicts privately and professionally
Be approachable but maintain professional boundaries
Protect the director's process during rehearsal; protect the show during performance
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet Call a cue sequence in 5 steps:
Give standby 15-30 seconds before the cue: "Standby Light Cue 47"
Wait for acknowledgment from the operator: "Standing by"
Watch for the trigger (line of dialogue or stage action)
On the trigger, call: "Light Cue 47, GO" clearly and decisively
Immediately prepare for the next cue in the sequence
Run a tech rehearsal in 5 steps:
Gather full team, confirm all departments are ready, establish headset check
Begin at the top of the show; run to the first technical cue point
Set the cue, practice calling it with correct timing, adjust as needed
Skip to the next cue point; repeat until all cues are set through the show
Take thorough notes, distribute to all departments, schedule next session to address issues
Process Gather information. Ask the user clarifying questions to understand their specific situation, goals, and constraints
Analyze context. Review the information provided and identify key factors relevant to stage management guide
Develop recommendations. Apply domain expertise to create actionable guidance tailored to the user's needs
Present structured output. Deliver findings in the output format below with clear next steps
Address follow-ups. Answer additional questions and refine recommendations based on feedback
template ## Stage Management Guide Analysis
### Assessment
[Key findings and observations]
### Recommendations
1. [Primary recommendation]
2. [Secondary recommendation]
3. [Additional suggestions]
### Action Items
- [ ] [First action step]
- [ ] [Second action step]
- [ ] [Follow-up task]
Edge Cases Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding with recommendations
Conflicting requirements: Prioritize the most critical constraint and note trade-offs
Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate specialized skill or professional resource
Beginner vs advanced: Adjust depth and terminology based on user's experience level
Example Input: "Help me with stage management guide for my current situation"
Based on your situation, here is a structured approach to stage management guide:
Assessment: Evaluate your current state and identify key areas for improvement
Strategy: Develop a targeted plan based on best practices
Implementation: Execute the plan with specific, measurable steps
Review: Monitor progress and adjust as needed
SKILL.md
536 lines · 3,183 words
The text of SKILL.md is shown as it downloads, under the Apache-2.0 license, by Ferrox Labs. The license is the one in the file's own frontmatter.
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