Description
Book SynopsisHow do you develop the craft and skills of stage management for today's theatre industry? And how can these same skills be applied in a variety of entertainment settings to help you develop a rewarding and successful career?Drawing on his diverse experience working with companies from across the performing arts spectrum in venues from the Hollywood Bowl to the Barbican Centre in London, Michael Vitale offers a practical resource on the art of stage management for new and established stage managers. Besides providing detailed coverage of the role within theatre, the book uniquely explores the field of stage management in numerous branches of the entertainment industry. From theatre, opera, and theme parks, to cruise ships, special events, and dance, stage managers are an integral part of keeping productions running, and this book offers guidance on each distinct area to equip you for a varied and successful career. Written with candour and filled with real-world examples, the bo
Trade ReviewEver wondered what it meant to be a stage manager? Michael Vitale, who has assisted in productions ranging from the Hollywood Bowl to the Barbican Theatre in London, shares his insights on one of the stage’s most influential behind-the-scenes job. Vitale gives readers a guide to develop the skills of a successful stage manager, whether it’s pre-production or running closing night. Not contained to a singular genre, this book looks at stage management for various types of productions: theatre, opera, cruise ship performance, and dance, to name just a few. * Playbill *
Michael Vitale’s new stage management text covers crucial processes and venues heretofore unmentioned in the few previous, often somewhat dated books on the market. His experience in professional theatre, opera, philharmonic and dance, including working with The Hollywood Bowl’s international assemblage of the world’s best conductors, actors, singers and musicians, makes this a must-have book for any serious stage manager. -- Dr. Jim Volz, Author, Producer, Educator, Theatre Critic
Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1: ROLE OF THE STAGE MANAGER
Who’s Who Assembling the Team The Argument for Artist Archetypes of Stage Managers CHAPTER 2: PRE-PRODUCTION
Reading the Script The Prep Week Production Meetings Tips and Tricks for Running a Production Meeting The Stage Manager’s Kit Preparing the Prompt Book CHAPTER 3: THE PRODUCTION PROCESS- REHEARSAL ROOM
Running Rehearsals Preparing the Space Blocking Notation Rehearsal Reports The Final Days CHAPTER 4: THE PRODUCTION PROCESS- TECHNICAL REHEARSALS
Getting the Stage Ready Arrivals Calling the Show Integrating the Crew CHAPTER 5: RUNNING THE SHOW
Maintaining the Show Safety Calls & Brush Ups Company Morale CHAPTER 6: WORKING WITH OTHERS
Teamwork and Collaboration Conflict in the Room Problems from Within The Good Stuff Building a Strong Team Dynamic Patience and Communication CHAPTER 7: ROLE OF THE STAGE MANAGER: OPERA
Organization The Process The Score The Who, What, Where Room Rehearsals Tech Performance CHAPTER 8: ROLE OF THE STAGE MANAGER: MUSIC
Classical Music Working with Artists Blurring the Lines Other Music Styles Considerations of a Production/Tour Manager CHAPTER 9: ROLE OF THE STAGE MANAGER: SPECIAL EVENTS
The Initial Meeting Making It Happen CHAPTER 10: ROLE OF THE STAGE MANAGER: THEME PARKS
The Structure By the Numbers Theme Park Offerings What Makes a Theme Park Different A Day in the Life of a Theme Park Stage Manager CHAPTER 11: ROLE OF THE STAGE MANAGER: CRUISE SHIPS
The Production Process The Shows Other Responsibilities The Experience CHAPTER 12: OTHER AVENUES FOR YOU STAGE MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Dance Careers in the Theatre Other Industries CONCLUSION A Note on the Author Notes Further Reading Index
