First time stage manager looking for tips on small studio production of "The Curious Savage"?
I’ve been an ASM for productions of "Les Miserables" and "Once upon a Mattress" and I’ve been handed the responsibility for a pretty low key production of "The Curious Savage". Any words of advice from experienced people about this show specifically or just stage management in general? I appreciate any help I can get!
If you have already had an ASM position, then you already have some of the skills in place. I don’t know ‘The Curious Savage’, but treat it the same way you would any production. Listen, write important things down, pass on information to relevant departments, try and anticipate what is needed. If you know a particular scene or act is rehearsing the next day, or in the afternoon, try and have everything ready before the director and company arrive. As soon as a prop is asked for, do your best to supply it - even if it is just a piece of paper to represent a letter.
It is difficult, but try to remain discretely in the background quietly getting on with your job whilst at the same time being in just the right place at the right time when needed. If an actor treats you as a lesser being (it happens - they don’t always realise just how useful we stage management can be!), be gracious and professional. Don’t be known for having an attitude - let others have that reputation! Enjoy what you are doing and have fun.
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:39 pm
If you have already had an ASM position, then you already have some of the skills in place. I don’t know ‘The Curious Savage’, but treat it the same way you would any production. Listen, write important things down, pass on information to relevant departments, try and anticipate what is needed. If you know a particular scene or act is rehearsing the next day, or in the afternoon, try and have everything ready before the director and company arrive. As soon as a prop is asked for, do your best to supply it - even if it is just a piece of paper to represent a letter.
It is difficult, but try to remain discretely in the background quietly getting on with your job whilst at the same time being in just the right place at the right time when needed. If an actor treats you as a lesser being (it happens - they don’t always realise just how useful we stage management can be!), be gracious and professional. Don’t be known for having an attitude - let others have that reputation! Enjoy what you are doing and have fun.
References :
Professional Stage Manager.