Stage Manager Course

Lesson 1 • The Stage Manager's Role Defined

Establishes who the stage manager is and what authority they hold. Anchors all subsequent skill-building in a clear professional identity.

Lesson 2 • Types of Productions and Venues

Surveys theatrical formats—plays, musicals, opera, dance, touring—and venue types. Prepares students to adapt SM practice to different production contexts.

Lesson 3 • Professional Standards and Unions

Introduces industry labor agreements, union membership, and professional codes of conduct. Students understand the regulatory environment governing SM work.

Lesson 1 • Production Calendars and Schedules

Covers building master calendars, rehearsal schedules, and production meeting timelines. Students create a full production calendar aligned with opening night.

Lesson 2 • Contact Sheets and Information Management

Establishes systems for collecting and distributing cast, crew, and vendor contact data. Accurate information management prevents communication failures.

Lesson 3 • Rehearsal Space Preparation

Covers taping out the set, organizing the rehearsal room, and preparing supplies. A well-prepared space enables efficient, uninterrupted rehearsals.

Lesson 4 • Budgeting Basics for Stage Managers

Introduces SM-controlled budget lines such as office supplies, rehearsal materials, and petty cash. Students track expenditures and submit accurate reports.

Lesson 1 • Managing Rehearsal Conflicts and Changes

Addresses schedule changes, actor conflicts, and last-minute rewrites. Students develop adaptive strategies that keep rehearsals on track.

Lesson 2 • Running the First Read-Through

Guides students through facilitating the first company meeting and table read. Sets the tone for a collaborative, organized rehearsal process.

Lesson 3 • Blocking Notation Systems

Teaches methods for recording actor movement accurately and efficiently. Reliable notation allows the SM to restore blocking when needed.

Lesson 4 • Daily Rehearsal Procedures

Establishes consistent routines for opening, running, and closing each rehearsal day. Consistency builds company trust and maximizes productive time.

Lesson 1 • Running Production Meetings

Teaches the SM to facilitate productive, time-efficient production meetings. Well-run meetings align departments and surface problems early.

Lesson 2 • Conflict Resolution in the Rehearsal Room

Addresses interpersonal conflicts between cast, crew, and creative team members. Students apply de-escalation and mediation techniques appropriate to theater.

Lesson 3 • Leading the Stage Management Team

Covers supervising and mentoring assistant stage managers and production assistants. Strong team leadership multiplies the SM's effectiveness across a production.

Lesson 1 • Cue Notation in the Script

Teaches placement of light, sound, and fly cues within the script pages. Precise cue notation is the foundation of accurate calling.

Lesson 2 • Tracking Sheets and Running Lists

Introduces props tracking sheets, costume change plots, and scene-shift lists. These tools coordinate departments and prevent missed cues or items.

Lesson 3 • Production Reports and Daily Paperwork

Covers rehearsal reports, production meeting minutes, and incident reports. Consistent documentation creates an accountable production record.

Lesson 1 • Calling Cues: Technique and Timing

Develops the SM's verbal calling technique—standbys, timing, and delivery. Precise calling is the core technical skill of the stage manager.

Lesson 2 • Paper Tech and Pre-Tech Preparation

Covers the paper tech meeting where cues are assigned before entering the theater. Thorough preparation reduces costly time loss during tech.

Lesson 3 • Running Full Technical Rehearsals

Addresses managing actors, crew, and designers during full tech runs. Students balance artistic needs with technical problem-solving under pressure.

Lesson 4 • Dry Tech and Cue-to-Cue

Teaches the stop-and-start cue-to-cue process for setting technical elements without actors. Students manage pace, communication, and operator focus.

Lesson 1 • Post-Show Procedures and Reports

Covers the SM's responsibilities after curtain: performance reports, notes, and securing the theater. Consistent post-show practice closes the production loop.

Lesson 2 • Managing Intermissions and Scene Changes

Covers coordinating crew, timing intermissions, and supervising scene transitions. Smooth transitions preserve audience immersion and show pacing.

Lesson 3 • Calling the Show from the Booth

Focuses on the SM's performance in the calling position—focus, rhythm, and authority. Consistent calling maintains the artistic integrity of every performance.

Lesson 4 • Handling Emergencies During Performance

Prepares students for medical emergencies, technical failures, and safety incidents mid-show. Decisive SM action protects performers, crew, and audiences.

Lesson 1 • Archiving and Returning Materials

Teaches proper archiving of the prompt book, reports, and production files. Well-maintained archives support future productions and professional reputation.

Lesson 2 • Closing Night and Strike Procedures

Covers the SM's responsibilities on closing night and during the strike process. A thorough close-out protects the production record and venue relationships.

Lesson 3 • Building a Stage Management Career

Addresses résumé building, networking, and professional positioning in the industry. Students leave with actionable strategies for securing their next engagement.