Hello!
I'm Deela and I am from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I stumbled across this really cool website when i was looking for something on stage management. And I must say, that the word 'impressive' will not do this site any justice. I can't believe that i just found out about controlbooth.com only last week and have missed out on all the great infos I could have gotten ages ago.
Though this site is mostly for high schoolers, I am a university student majoring in English Language and Literature. And I'm 22 (very ooooold...) years old. During my early years, I came to love the theatre and through my core course subjects, had a chance to produce our own staging! It was a great thrill for an amateur like me back then, and I decided I loved the stage straight away.
Over the years of acting, I have channeled my interest towards the backstage jobs, in all its technical glory. I have come to appreciate how the lighting works, the crucial job of the SM in enlightening everyone on the production team, the combination of the sound effects and how it is arranged (i have even started learning how to make the sound effects!), the setting designer and props master working together in constructing the stage into a magnificent scene... God, there's just so much of this cool stuff that it makes a newbie like me excited!!
So here's the thing. i started out by simply being a backstage crew, mostly just being in the way of the pros. But I picked things up pretty fast due to my enthusiasm, and soon, in just a year, someone made me an SM!! My first thought was, "Oh my GOSH!! I'm gonna suck at this! I don't know a thing about stage managing!!" My fault was that I was in such a panic that I spent most of my time lamenting on what I cannot do instead of what I can do. I picked up a book on Stage Management and made a mess out of my prompt book. All my pro seniors have graduated and I was left to my own devices on how to be an SM. I didn't even prompt the actors properly. needless to say, it was a hell job for me. The only saving grace was that on the day of the production, everyone was nice enough to listen to me for the calls and cues.
But through all this, I can only say one thing... It was superb fun!!!! I got to work with the lighting technincian, sound technician, props master, costume designers, and all the talented people whose combined weaving made the production a beautiful result. That's what I love about being an SM, though I suck at it. And I know that during my final year (I'm in my final year!!! Arghh!!) I have been appointed and given the trust to be SM again for three more productions. And I need ALL the help I can get.
There's not much literature on stage management from where I'm studying, because our Theatre Club is not consisting of professionals, and my library have very limited literature on theatre. So... I was wondering, if anyone can tell me stuff about being a good and reliable stage manager. 'Stuff' there means everything you guys might know. Sorry if I sound a bit pushy.... But I'm desperate!!! Please!!! If possible, it would be graet if anyone can explain to me what an SM does and all the stuff he/she needs (in case you're wondering, I'm a she).
Like a prompt book. what is it actually and why do I need it? How do I promt? How can I organize myself in order to coordinate with the rest of the production members? What do I do first and what do I do later? When I want to have a staff meeting, what do I tell them I need? Simply put, what does an SM has to say to all these people (directors, technicians, actors, etc)?
Thank you!!!!
I'm Deela and I am from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I stumbled across this really cool website when i was looking for something on stage management. And I must say, that the word 'impressive' will not do this site any justice. I can't believe that i just found out about controlbooth.com only last week and have missed out on all the great infos I could have gotten ages ago.
Though this site is mostly for high schoolers, I am a university student majoring in English Language and Literature. And I'm 22 (very ooooold...) years old. During my early years, I came to love the theatre and through my core course subjects, had a chance to produce our own staging! It was a great thrill for an amateur like me back then, and I decided I loved the stage straight away.
Over the years of acting, I have channeled my interest towards the backstage jobs, in all its technical glory. I have come to appreciate how the lighting works, the crucial job of the SM in enlightening everyone on the production team, the combination of the sound effects and how it is arranged (i have even started learning how to make the sound effects!), the setting designer and props master working together in constructing the stage into a magnificent scene... God, there's just so much of this cool stuff that it makes a newbie like me excited!!
So here's the thing. i started out by simply being a backstage crew, mostly just being in the way of the pros. But I picked things up pretty fast due to my enthusiasm, and soon, in just a year, someone made me an SM!! My first thought was, "Oh my GOSH!! I'm gonna suck at this! I don't know a thing about stage managing!!" My fault was that I was in such a panic that I spent most of my time lamenting on what I cannot do instead of what I can do. I picked up a book on Stage Management and made a mess out of my prompt book. All my pro seniors have graduated and I was left to my own devices on how to be an SM. I didn't even prompt the actors properly. needless to say, it was a hell job for me. The only saving grace was that on the day of the production, everyone was nice enough to listen to me for the calls and cues.
But through all this, I can only say one thing... It was superb fun!!!! I got to work with the lighting technincian, sound technician, props master, costume designers, and all the talented people whose combined weaving made the production a beautiful result. That's what I love about being an SM, though I suck at it. And I know that during my final year (I'm in my final year!!! Arghh!!) I have been appointed and given the trust to be SM again for three more productions. And I need ALL the help I can get.
There's not much literature on stage management from where I'm studying, because our Theatre Club is not consisting of professionals, and my library have very limited literature on theatre. So... I was wondering, if anyone can tell me stuff about being a good and reliable stage manager. 'Stuff' there means everything you guys might know. Sorry if I sound a bit pushy.... But I'm desperate!!! Please!!! If possible, it would be graet if anyone can explain to me what an SM does and all the stuff he/she needs (in case you're wondering, I'm a she).
Like a prompt book. what is it actually and why do I need it? How do I promt? How can I organize myself in order to coordinate with the rest of the production members? What do I do first and what do I do later? When I want to have a staff meeting, what do I tell them I need? Simply put, what does an SM has to say to all these people (directors, technicians, actors, etc)?
Thank you!!!!