Introduction to the Art of Stage Management
A Practical Guide to Working in the Theatre and Beyond
Published on 7. March 2019
Book
Paperback/Softback
200 pages
978-1-4742-5720-6 (ISBN)
Description
How 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 book examines the nuts and bolts of the job at each stage of the production process: from preproduction, room rehearsal, technical rehearsal, through to running the show. Vitale considers the skills needed to work with a myriad of different people, explores the traits of a successful stage manager, and helps you to hone and evaluate your own practice.
Whether you are exploring the field for the first time or are a veteran looking to diversify your resume, Introduction to the Art of Stage Management will provide insight, practical information, and useful tips to help along the way.
An accompanying Companion Website features a range of time-saving templates and forms, such as schedule templates and scene samples.
https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/introduction-to-the-art-of-stage-management-9781474257190/
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 book examines the nuts and bolts of the job at each stage of the production process: from preproduction, room rehearsal, technical rehearsal, through to running the show. Vitale considers the skills needed to work with a myriad of different people, explores the traits of a successful stage manager, and helps you to hone and evaluate your own practice.
Whether you are exploring the field for the first time or are a veteran looking to diversify your resume, Introduction to the Art of Stage Management will provide insight, practical information, and useful tips to help along the way.
An accompanying Companion Website features a range of time-saving templates and forms, such as schedule templates and scene samples.
https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/introduction-to-the-art-of-stage-management-9781474257190/
Reviews / Votes
Ever 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 CriticMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 232 mm
Width: 154 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
280 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4742-5720-6 (9781474257206)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Michael Vitale
Introduction to the Art of Stage Management
A Practical Guide to Working in the Theatre and Beyond
E-Book
03/2019
1st Edition
Methuen Drama
€31.99
Available for download
Michael Vitale
Introduction to the Art of Stage Management
A Practical Guide to Working in the Theatre and Beyond
E-Book
03/2019
1st Edition
Methuen Drama
€31.99
Available for download
Person
Michael Vitale is the Production Manager for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Prior to taking this post, Michael worked professionally as a Stage Manager and Educator, primarily in the Los Angeles area. His professional Stage Management credits include projects with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles Opera, Center Theatre Group, Geffen Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, and Barbican (London, UK). Michael also had the pleasure of serving as a Professor at California State University, Fullerton and Pomona College, USA.
Content
TABLE 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
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