Stage Management
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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:
- 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.
- 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.
- The Thespian should address general questions such as:
- 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.
Stage Management Rubric
PRESENTATION
Explanation of the executed design, unifying concept, creative decisions, and process
Above Standard
Presentation thoroughly explains the roles and responsibilities of the stage manager throughout the production process and addresses the specific needs of the production with exceptional examples and documentation.
At standard
Presentation clearly explains the roles and responsibilities of the stage manager throughout the production process and addresses the specific needs of the production with sufficient examples and documentation.
Near Standard
Presentation partially explains the roles and responsibilities of the stage manager and addresses the specific needs of the production with cursory examples and documentation.
Aspiring to Standard
Presentation fails to explain the roles and responsibilities of the stage manager and/or fails to provide sufficient examples and documentation.
PROMPTBOOK
Representative promptbook sample demonstrates organized thought and execution of production needs.
Above Standard
Promptbook sample demonstrates thorough and consistent planning; cues and notation are comprehensive, legible, and well organized.
At standard
Promptbook sample demonstrates clear planning; cues and notation are legible, and well organized.
Near Standard
Promptbook sample demonstrates some organization and planning; cues and notation are legible.
Aspiring to Standard
Promptbook sample demonstrates marginal planning; cues and notation may or may not be included and/or legible.
LEADERSHIP
Organization and presentation combine to demonstrate unique strengths and leadership skills.
Above Standard
Documentation and presentation combine to provide evidence of exceptional organization and leadership.
At standard
Documentation and presentation combine to demonstrate organization and leadership skills.
Near Standard
Documentation and presentation combine to demonstrate some organization and emerging leadership.
Aspiring to Standard
Documentation and presentation fail to demonstrate effective organization and/or leadership.
PAPERWORK
Representative paperwork samples demonstrate organized thought and management of the production’s needs.
Above Standard
Representative paperwork samples demonstrate consistent and clear planning; documents are comprehensive and well-organized to support seamless management of production needs.
At standard
Representative paperwork samples demonstrate clear planning; documents are well organized, to support effective management of production needs.
Near Standard
Representative paperwork samples demonstrate some planning; documents minimally contribute to management of production needs.
Aspiring to Standard
Representative paperwork samples demonstrate limited planning; documents are not well organized and do not contribute to management of the production’s needs.
EXECUTION
Products demonstrate conveyed ideas, procedures, and choices that support collaboration and production needs.
Above Standard
Comprehensive evidence of the stage manager’s ability to expertly choose and use processes and procedures for seamless production support.
At standard
Evidence of the stage manager’s ability to effectively choose and use processes and procedures for production support.
Near Standard
Limited evidence of the stage manager’s ability to effectively use processes and procedures for production support.
Aspiring to Standard
Little to no evidence of the stage manager’s ability to effectively use processes and procedures for production support.
Thank You to Our Stage Management Sponsors
Solo Musical Theatre, Group Musical Theatre and Stage Management Categories' Sponsors