DRA 240 - Stage Management

1. Diagram the typical process of bringing a story from early stages of production to the completion of performances.
   1. Discuss best practices for production meetings.
   2. Illustrate a traditional rehearsal process from first meeting through previews.
   3. Explain performance schedules, including understudy rehearsals and strike.
   4. Differentiate which processes are dependent upon effective stage management.
2. Break down the essential functions of a stage manager within a production.
   1. Examine terminology considered industry standard for stage managers.
   2. Relate terminology to theoretical moments of practical implementation of the terms.
3. Analyze industry standard procedures that members of stage management implement, then maintain, within a production.
   1. Review industry standard stage management guidelines as laid forth by Actor’s Equity Association.
   2. Demonstrate an ability to use this discipline knowledge consistently.
4. Generate examples of industry standard forms.
   1. Determine which forms are used regularly as a tool to enhance communication.
   2. Show examples of forms that are industry standard for record keeping.
   3. Design an effective personal system of organization for frequently used forms.
5. Analyze one or more plays with a focus on how to effectively manage the production from moment to moment.
   1. Discuss essential elements of plays in production.
   2. Make sense of dialogue as action on stage.
   3. Interpret non-dialogue aspects of a play as written by the playwright.
   4. Develop an ability to clearly communicate the key components of effective script analysis.
6. Investigate an effective prompt book.
   1. Determine which tools were necessary to make the prompt book effective.
   2. Discuss how effective theory is applicable to effective practice.
7. Produce a sample prompt book.
   1. Organize a complete prompt book effectively.
   2. Design an effective script used to call cues in performance.
8. Assess the effectiveness of prompt books created.
   1. Critique one’s own prompt book with special attention to how effectively it can be used in production.
   2. Show a consistent use of objective and considerate criticism of colleague’s prompt books.
   3. Develop an ability to constructively receive feedback.
9. Evaluate prevalent, industry specific hiring practices for stage managers.
   1. Distinguish what makes contemporaries in production successful.
   2. Assess various markets for stage management demand.
   3. Demonstrate an ability to find stage management openings.
   4. Create a theatrical resume with a stage management focus.