Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean
In all of the professional theatres I've worked in the House Manager turns over the house to the SM. So, a few minutes before curtain the HM will phone/radio the SM to give an estimate ("we look good for 8PM" or "There's still a line at Will Call, I think we'll need two more minutes"). Then, the HM will phone/radio again when he/she feels it's appropriate (AND SAFE) to begin the show ("The house is your's.)
Also, whenever actors enter through the audience, someone with a headset (from the SM staff) is with them. This person is there to contact the SM about potential problems, and to report that those performers are (or are not) ready for their entrances.
In short, the SM should not start the show without a "go" from the HM.
--Sean
|
Seconded.
Also, what if when the house lights turned off someone was up walking around and fell and broke their leg. The House Manager gives the theater to the
Stage Manager before the show. The stage manager may help the house manager deal with the snafu to speed up the solution, but its wrong to start the show without the House Managers go.