Stage Management
In a Stage Management presentation, 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, or any other medium are not permitted. Only one 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 skills measured by the adjudicators during the presentation are:
- 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
In a Stage Management presentation, the Thespian must follow the aforementioned rules for the International Thespian Excellence Awards as presented in this guide, and also the following rules specific to this category:
The Thespian must prepare:
- A portfolio of materials (bound or digital) that exhibits consistency, clarity, and organization of materials and 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 5-10 consecutive pages from the prompt script that includes dense blocking notation and technical cues (lights, sound, etc.)
- Representative documentation: at least three examples of production documentation from the following list:
- Props list
- Costume change plot
- Rehearsal calendar
- Rehearsal reports (up to five)
- Scene change assignments
- Line notes
- Additional production-specific documents
- A five- to eight-minute in-person or digital presentation summarizing the work with connections to concept, collaboration, and design decision-making. Digital media may be used during an in-person presentation as well (participant must provide their own equipment).
- The video component may be a webinar-style presentation (i.e., a voiceover during a PowerPoint slideshow) or a talking head-style presentation (i.e., talking to the camera).
- Suggested standard prompts for all technical categories are provided to help guide the content of a video presentation:
- What are some of your responsibilities as a stage manager?
- How did the director's concept influence your work?
- How did the style of the play affect your work?
- If you had more time or resources, what would you change?
- What element of your job would you be willing to compromise if you had to?
- Also consider these category-specific questions:
- 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.
- Any video presentation must display the work so that the adjudicators can see the details. If the details of the documents/photos referenced in your presentation cannot be clearly seen in the video, they should be included in your portfolio of support materials.
- Optional written essay response to share additional information about the stage management process with the adjudicators.
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