My bag definitely changes from show to show. These are kind of the base items I have in there. An extreme example, I did a production of Avenue Q and had to have a section with things for puppet repair,l and ice packs (for the puppeteers during long rehearsals.) Things I didn't need when I did, say, Gypsy. The Stage Manager's Bag/Box is always evolving! Also, there's always a learning curve with every show! Always something to learn and some advice to share, who cares if you're just a student, you can still make valid points!
Today was the first rehearsal for the first show I'm Stage Managing! This is definitely a useful video to watch, & I'll definitely be taking some ideas from your bag as I slowly build my own. :)
As one of 'those people' who likes to prep for EVERYTHING when working a street festival... I totally relate. It's strangely reassuring to know I'm not ... 'the only one' who does this stuff :P
great video and a great kit! One thing that I have found that male stage managers forget to carry is feminine hygiene products. they will come in handy when working with actors who need them.
Love your video! I'm an aspiring stage manager and it's so hard to find videos about stage managing. keep up the great work, I cant wait for your next video!
Great video and really interesting! Could you make a video about reasons why you became a stage manager? Like what you enjoy and why it would be a good job (or bad job). I am deciding my career path and would really appreciate the advice. Thank you!! Keep doing these vids :)
I have an SM kit very similar to yours, but I still find myself watching these videos because if there's one thing I've learned in stage management, it's that you can never think of everything. It's awesome to get new ideas from the professionals. If anyone wants a perspective on how stage management works in high school, check out our channel!
Hi! Thank you very much for this video, I'm new to the stage management game and I found this video to be very informative! How many shows have you done?
+Mads Golding I actually know this number! I had someone suggest to me to keep a running list, so I did. Right now I've worked on 40 shows since 2009, and am currently contracted on 3 more (One just opened, one opens in a month and another in December), for a total of 43. All of them have been different jobs: Actor, Writer, Director, Stage Manager, Designer, etc - which allows me to work on more than just one at a time. AND That doesn't count my new day job which is as the ATD at a school, where we do about 15or so various productions a semester.
Do u still have it because I am on my 3rd show in high school we perform our 4th in April and I don't really have a kit and I would like one this is something this I want to pursue in the furture so I would like a list if u are willing
Hi! I am a junior in college in a BFA Tech track for stage management, and am having trouble 'getting myself out there' beyond my school and regional theaters due to being shy. My dream is to work with touring shows, but I get nurvous and talk myself out of applying and interviewing for jobs because I am afraid of rejection/failure. Unfortunatly, it is a part of the buisness, and my rational brain knows this; However, going outside of my shell has never been my strong suit. Have you ever had a similar experience? Any advice?
+Anna Hardy Oh man, yes! I hate talking about myself and talking about how great I am and why I deserve this job, etc. I get pretty anxious over it. I also consistently talk myself out of jobs for fear of rejection, or because I think I'm not wholly qualified. The worst for me is actually auditioning...I rarely audition because I talk myself out of it. It's bad. I could probably write an entire book on trying to get over that, but here are my bullet points that help me: "If I don't ask, it's already a no." - This is the biggest thing to think about, and a major mantra of mine. Asking for favors, applying for jobs - the worst thing that someone can say is no, and it's definitely a no if I don't ask or submit. This was big when a few years ago when I transitioned from Prop design to Scenic Design. I knew I could do it, but was "untested" professionally. In the end, I realized if I didn't say anything, or didn't apply, I'd never get that chance and be stuck in the same place I was in. So, it took me awhile, but I forced myself to email my former producers who consistently called me for work, to let them know I was moving into scenic design. Some of them didn't respond, and I haven't heard from in awhile, but others have called me for scenic design. If I hadn't said anything, I'd never have gotten those jobs. "Don't put your eggs in one basket." There are tons of touring companies out there. Apply for them all. Don't just go with your first choice, because they may not need you right at this time. I have this odd philosophy that "i applied, and it's already a no" partially to keep myself from being devastated if I don't get something, and also so I don't stop after the first application. Send them to everyone, send in applications for jobs you are qualified for, and some that you aren't. You might have something the producers want, and they'd rather teach someone they like, than have someone horrible who has all their check marks. "Work for who you know" - You're in college. That is the perfect first network. I got my first job through a friend from school, and that led to connections in other theatres. So who do you know? Talk to your professors and tell them your ambitions. See if anyone has already graduated trying to do the same thing, or working at any of the tours you want to try. Alumni helping Students/Alumni is HUGE. And always a great place to start. Hopefully that helps. Maybe I'll do a video soon on this type of thing. ;)
+NickAch Thank you so much for responding! I really took to heart the idea that if I don't apply for jobs, its automatically a no; I never thought of it that way before, but its quite true. I would love to see a video of you discussing this topic because it is one that very few people address. Usually, if you are in theater, the stigma is that you are automatically outgoing and confident, but in reality a lot of us face this similar problem. It would be great to hear your experiences and how you overcame them. PS. If you ever did write a book about getting over the stage fright of a stage manager, I would definatly read it.
You actually ask for the scripts back? That was the first time I’ve heard that. Usually our actors in our company keep their scripts. Is this a US thing
It's a copyright holders thing - possibly specific to the US. When we get the rights from Samuel French or MTI or Dramatics (they're some of the big ones of US plays and Musicals) we're provided with enough scripts for the cast and SM, that must be returned after closing - and not have any marks in them. Or we pay a fine. It's also illegal for us to photocopy or reproduce the scripts, but people do that anyway.
We have similar things here in Canada as well but it’s not consistent in terms of requesting scripts we bought for every aspect. But they don’t ask for them back. Because usually what they send are photocopied scripts anyway. So we just give them to the actors and crew to keep. Actors usually highlight their lines as well so sending them back wouldn’t work in that regard
Most of the time, a part of getting the rights to produce a show includes getting scripts from the rights holder (big ones are Samuel French, MTI, etc.). Photocopies of the script are technically illegal reproductions, so these companies provide scripts for the number of actors in the show. (Most of the time it is included in the cost of the rights, but not always). During rehearsals, actors will keep blocking and character notes in the scripts, it's common practice. These are all done in PENCIL, because after the show is done, the scripts need to be turned back into the rights holding company in the same condition they were given. So Actors then they erase all their markings prior to turning the script in to the SM or Producer, who then double checks that each page is clean and returns it to the Rights Company. If there are permanent markings, or lost scripts, or torn pages there can be a fine. Now the "same condition they were given" is kind of relative. Obviously there will be some wear and tear, but all the pages need to be free of marks and blocking and notes. Hopefully that helps!
My bag definitely changes from show to show. These are kind of the base items I have in there. An extreme example, I did a production of Avenue Q and had to have a section with things for puppet repair,l and ice packs (for the puppeteers during long rehearsals.) Things I didn't need when I did, say, Gypsy. The Stage Manager's Bag/Box is always evolving!
Also, there's always a learning curve with every show! Always something to learn and some advice to share, who cares if you're just a student, you can still make valid points!
BOBBY PINS FOR BREAKING INTO THE THEATRE AND YOU LOST YOUR KEYS...NO.
I CRIED
Today was the first rehearsal for the first show I'm Stage Managing! This is definitely a useful video to watch, & I'll definitely be taking some ideas from your bag as I slowly build my own. :)
As one of 'those people' who likes to prep for EVERYTHING when working a street festival... I totally relate. It's strangely reassuring to know I'm not ... 'the only one' who does this stuff :P
I'm going to SM for the first time this spring...THANKS!
Love your TARDIS
Thank you
I’m trying to take notes to apply for the stage management job in the fall and I’m so excited to try
This was very helpful
great video and a great kit! One thing that I have found that male stage managers forget to carry is feminine hygiene products. they will come in handy when working with actors who need them.
Love your video! I'm an aspiring stage manager and it's so hard to find videos about stage managing. keep up the great work, I cant wait for your next video!
Yay I love those Staples binders with the little pushbutton opener!
Love this one. I was excited to learn that I already have most of the things you suggested.
Love it! Great advice. Can you update any major SM extras you have in your bag now that you didn’t years ago?
Great video and really interesting! Could you make a video about reasons why you became a stage manager? Like what you enjoy and why it would be a good job (or bad job). I am deciding my career path and would really appreciate the advice. Thank you!! Keep doing these vids :)
I have an SM kit very similar to yours, but I still find myself watching these videos because if there's one thing I've learned in stage management, it's that you can never think of everything. It's awesome to get new ideas from the professionals. If anyone wants a perspective on how stage management works in high school, check out our channel!
Oh My Goodness! what have i gotten myself into??😫 ⬅️ first time SM
THANK YOU!!😳
Hi! Thank you very much for this video, I'm new to the stage management game and I found this video to be very informative! How many shows have you done?
+Mads Golding I actually know this number! I had someone suggest to me to keep a running list, so I did. Right now I've worked on 40 shows since 2009, and am currently contracted on 3 more (One just opened, one opens in a month and another in December), for a total of 43. All of them have been different jobs: Actor, Writer, Director, Stage Manager, Designer, etc - which allows me to work on more than just one at a time. AND That doesn't count my new day job which is as the ATD at a school, where we do about 15or so various productions a semester.
I don't think I have ever related to a video more! hahahaha
Hey :) very enjoyed your video, will you be doing anymore?
Do u still have it because I am on my 3rd show in high school we perform our 4th in April and I don't really have a kit and I would like one this is something this I want to pursue in the furture so I would like a list if u are willing
Hi! I am a junior in college in a BFA Tech track for stage management, and am having trouble 'getting myself out there' beyond my school and regional theaters due to being shy. My dream is to work with touring shows, but I get nurvous and talk myself out of applying and interviewing for jobs because I am afraid of rejection/failure. Unfortunatly, it is a part of the buisness, and my rational brain knows this; However, going outside of my shell has never been my strong suit. Have you ever had a similar experience? Any advice?
+Anna Hardy Oh man, yes! I hate talking about myself and talking about how great I am and why I deserve this job, etc. I get pretty anxious over it. I also consistently talk myself out of jobs for fear of rejection, or because I think I'm not wholly qualified. The worst for me is actually auditioning...I rarely audition because I talk myself out of it. It's bad.
I could probably write an entire book on trying to get over that, but here are my bullet points that help me:
"If I don't ask, it's already a no."
- This is the biggest thing to think about, and a major mantra of mine. Asking for favors, applying for jobs - the worst thing that someone can say is no, and it's definitely a no if I don't ask or submit. This was big when a few years ago when I transitioned from Prop design to Scenic Design. I knew I could do it, but was "untested" professionally. In the end, I realized if I didn't say anything, or didn't apply, I'd never get that chance and be stuck in the same place I was in. So, it took me awhile, but I forced myself to email my former producers who consistently called me for work, to let them know I was moving into scenic design. Some of them didn't respond, and I haven't heard from in awhile, but others have called me for scenic design. If I hadn't said anything, I'd never have gotten those jobs.
"Don't put your eggs in one basket."
There are tons of touring companies out there. Apply for them all. Don't just go with your first choice, because they may not need you right at this time. I have this odd philosophy that "i applied, and it's already a no" partially to keep myself from being devastated if I don't get something, and also so I don't stop after the first application. Send them to everyone, send in applications for jobs you are qualified for, and some that you aren't. You might have something the producers want, and they'd rather teach someone they like, than have someone horrible who has all their check marks.
"Work for who you know"
- You're in college. That is the perfect first network. I got my first job through a friend from school, and that led to connections in other theatres. So who do you know? Talk to your professors and tell them your ambitions. See if anyone has already graduated trying to do the same thing, or working at any of the tours you want to try. Alumni helping Students/Alumni is HUGE. And always a great place to start.
Hopefully that helps. Maybe I'll do a video soon on this type of thing. ;)
+NickAch Thank you so much for responding! I really took to heart the idea that if I don't apply for jobs, its automatically a no; I never thought of it that way before, but its quite true. I would love to see a video of you discussing this topic because it is one that very few people address. Usually, if you are in theater, the stigma is that you are automatically outgoing and confident, but in reality a lot of us face this similar problem. It would be great to hear your experiences and how you overcame them.
PS. If you ever did write a book about getting over the stage fright of a stage manager, I would definatly read it.
Are the clips in the video called A clips (6.29)
+Nicole Scott Yes! Also known as a Spring Clip or Spring Clamp.
You actually ask for the scripts back? That was the first time I’ve heard that. Usually our actors in our company keep their scripts. Is this a US thing
It's a copyright holders thing - possibly specific to the US. When we get the rights from Samuel French or MTI or Dramatics (they're some of the big ones of US plays and Musicals) we're provided with enough scripts for the cast and SM, that must be returned after closing - and not have any marks in them. Or we pay a fine. It's also illegal for us to photocopy or reproduce the scripts, but people do that anyway.
We have similar things here in Canada as well but it’s not consistent in terms of requesting scripts we bought for every aspect. But they don’t ask for them back. Because usually what they send are photocopied scripts anyway. So we just give them to the actors and crew to keep. Actors usually highlight their lines as well so sending them back wouldn’t work in that regard
wait, what about us SM that are terribad at office management?
Do u still have that list?
Could you explain what you meant by actors erasing and handing in scripts?
Most of the time, a part of getting the rights to produce a show includes getting scripts from the rights holder (big ones are Samuel French, MTI, etc.). Photocopies of the script are technically illegal reproductions, so these companies provide scripts for the number of actors in the show. (Most of the time it is included in the cost of the rights, but not always).
During rehearsals, actors will keep blocking and character notes in the scripts, it's common practice. These are all done in PENCIL, because after the show is done, the scripts need to be turned back into the rights holding company in the same condition they were given.
So Actors then they erase all their markings prior to turning the script in to the SM or Producer, who then double checks that each page is clean and returns it to the Rights Company. If there are permanent markings, or lost scripts, or torn pages there can be a fine.
Now the "same condition they were given" is kind of relative. Obviously there will be some wear and tear, but all the pages need to be free of marks and blocking and notes.
Hopefully that helps!
NIck Ur CUte lov u :)