Stage Management

What to Prepare

For a Stage Management entry, the Thespian must present digital and/or physical documents that showcase the stage manager’s promptbook and other paperwork for a production of a published work written for the theatre. Designs for performances of original work, poetry, fiction, screenplays, television, concerts, or any other medium are not permitted. Only one (1) Thespian may be involved in the design; no collaborations are permitted. Designs for either theoretical or realized productions are acceptable, though it is strongly recommended that the Thespian was responsible for the actual stage management for a realized production. The Thespian must prepare the following:

1.  A portfolio of materials (bound or digital) that exhibits consistency, clarity, and organization of materials and that must include the following:
   • A brief bulleted list of duties performed as stage manager, including during the rehearsal process and during performances (before, during, and after);
   • Representative sample from the promptbook: at least five to ten (5-10) consecutive pages from the prompt script that includes dense blocking notation and technical cues (lights, sound, etc.);
   • Representative documentation: at least three (3) examples of production documentation from the following list:
     • Props list;
     • Costume change plot;
     • Rehearsal calendar;
     • Up to five (5) rehearsal reports;
     • Scene change assignments;
     • Line notes;
     • Additional production-specific documents.
2. A five to eight (5-8)-minute presentation summarizing the work with connections to concept, collaboration, and design decision-making. The Thespian may use digital media during the presentation (the Thespian must provide their own equipment for viewing), or the Thespian may bring photo boards or other visual aids to display along with the portfolio.
   • The Thespian should address general questions such as:
     • What are some of your responsibilites in your field?
     • How did the director's concept influence your work?
     • How did the style of the play affect your work?
     • If the production was realized, what challenges did you face in unifying the director's concept across all areas of your work?
   • The Thespian should address category-specific topics such as:
     • What role(s) did the design elements play in the stage management for this production?
     • What did you learn during your stage management experience that you can take into other areas of your life?
     • If you led production meetings, describe your process.
3. Optional written essay response to share additional information about the stage management process with the adjudicators.

Slating: All Categories

Thespians must begin their presentation with an introduction known as a slate. The slate is not part of the performance, but is simply an informative introduction to the piece. This is an opportunity for students to be themselves and address the adjudicators in a comfortable, polite, and brief manner. The slate should include the following information:

• The Thespian’s name (or names, for group categories);
• Troupe number;
• Title of selection being performed or work being showcased (e.g., Beauty and the Beast);
• Name of the playwright(s) and/or composer(s).

A slate might sound like this: "Hello. My name is Jane Smith from Troupe 561, and I’ll be sharing my stage management process for Pippin by Stephen Schwartz, Roger O. Hirson, and Bob Fosse." 

After the slate, time begins with the first word of the presentation. If a Thespian exceeds the time limits stated above, the adjudicator or room monitor will note the time and a final eligibility ruling will be determined. Exceeding the time limit may result in disqualification. 

Dress Code: All Categories

For all categories (performance and technical), Thespians will present themselves at adjudication or in their submission video as a blank slate, refraining from wearing clothing and/or accessories that distract from the performance or presentation. The goal is to level the playing field and allow the focus to remain on the work, not the aesthetics of the presenting Thespian(s). Thespians should follow these guidelines:

• Dress in simple, modest attire suitable for a professional interview or audition, in black or dark colors. Clothing should be appropriate for the situation so as not to limit or restrict movement or affect the performance. For technical categories, Thespians may choose to follow the guideline above or wear the black/dark-colored clothing traditionally worn by technicians.
• Acceptable footwear is neutral, not distracting, and may include character shoes and dance shoes (if category appropriate), dress shoes, sneakers, or boots.
• Theatrical makeup, costumes, and props are not permitted.
• Avoid wearing distracting items such a large, dangling jewelry, light-up footwear, or fashionably distressed clothing.

Skills Measured: Stage Management

• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the stage manager’s role and specific responsibilities;
• Ability to organize stage management ideas, products, and choices that support a realized or theoretical production;
• Ability to document, present, and clearly explain and justify stage management products and choice.

PRESENTATION

Explanation of the executed design, unifying concept, creative decisions, and process

PROMPTBOOK

Representative promptbook sample demonstrates organized thought and execution of production needs.

LEADERSHIP

Organization and presentation combine to demonstrate unique strengths and leadership skills. 

PAPERWORK

Representative paperwork samples demonstrate organized thought and management of the production’s needs.

EXECUTION

Products demonstrate conveyed ideas, procedures, and choices that support collaboration and production needs.

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