WORK WITH US

STAGE MANAGER

Job Description

Green Room Theatre Company Coachella Valley (GRTCCV) is a nonprofit theatre company based in Coachella Valley. Since 2008, we’ve produced a variety of plays, focusing on bringing diverse stories and voices to our community.

GRTCCV is the only touring theatre company in the Coachella Valley, taking professional theatre into neighborhoods around the valley. 

The stage manager will work closely with the director and producer to oversee production details and handle cast and crew communication and reporting, take meticulous blocking notes, record script changes, oversee props, manage schedules and calendars, and other tasks.

Stage Management Duties:

Pre-Production

• Review Institutional and Union Rules Regarding Production
• Create and maintain a Contact Sheet that includes all production personnel.
• Create and Distribute Emergency Contact Forms
• Work with the Director to create a Rehearsal Schedule.
• Work with the Director and Producer to create a Production Schedule.
• Measure the dimensions of each Performance Space and create a basic Ground Plan. 
• Tape Out Ground Plan roughly to scale in Rehearsal Space(s)
• Distribute Rehearsal Schedules
• Electronically Distribute Daily Rehearsal Calls
• Figure out Specific Needs of Production (Knee Pads, Rosin, Music Stands, etc.)
• Communicate frequently with Director and Design Team about Production Vision and Goals
• Assist Production Manager in Planning First Production Meeting
• Prepare and  restock Green Room’s SM Kit
• Prepare and Print Stage Manager’s Rehearsal Script
• Distribute the Cast and Company’s scripts

Rehearsal Process

• Distribute Daily Rehearsal Calls
• Have  Emergency Contact Forms available at each rehearsal and performance in both digital and  hard copy versions.
• Call Breaks
  • 15 minute breaks AFTER 120 minutes and 
• Call Meal Breaks, If Rehearsal is Longer Than 5 Hours
• Protect the Safety of the Cast as a  First Priority
• Record Blocking Notes
• Notate Stage Manager’s Script
• Distribute Script Changes after each  rehearsal
• Create Props List
• Create Costume List
• Record Prop Tracking and Props Plot
• Record Costume Quick Changes
• Record Scene Changes
• Coordinate and Facilitate Communication within the Design Team
• Send Rehearsal Reports
  • Rehearsal Time
  • Actor Called
  • Day’s Work
  • Late Arrivals/Absences
  • Maintain  Accurate Daily Attendance Records for all Actors and Crew.
  • Illnesses/Injuries
  • Notes for EACH Technical Department (including additions and alterations)
    • Scenic
    • Props
    • Lighting
    • Sound
    • Costumes
    • Projections/Media
    • Hair/Makeup
  • Upcoming Events
    • Run-Throughs
    • Visiting Guests
    • Publicity and Photo Shoots

Tech Process

• Lead Rehearsals of the Show, Stopping to Insert Design and Technical Elements (Automation Cues, Set Changes, Light Cues, Sound Cues, Music, Projection/Media Cues, Costumes, Quick Changes, Prop Hand Offs, Crossover Timing)
• Record Position of All Cues
• Create and Maintain the Calling Script w/ All Cue Information
• Begin Calling Cues
• Create and Distribute Preset Lists for Stage Crew
• Create and Distribute Run Sheets for Stage Crew
• Manage Stage  Crew
• Organize Stage Traffic
• Find Solutions to Potential Safety Problems (Glow Tape on Dark Pieces, Covered Corners on Sharp Pieces)
• Continue Sending Daily Rehearsal Reports

Performances

• Work with Producer to coordinate loading, offloading, reloading and storage for each venue.
• Coordinate with Front of House to Open the House and Begin each Performance
• Call the Show’s Cues, Including:
  • Scene changes
  • Lights (may OR may not include Follow Spots cues)
  • Sounds
  • Projections/Media
  • Music 
  • Actors
• Maintain the artistic integrity (the director’s vision) of the show
• Run pickup rehearsals between performances to assist show maintenance
• Run rehearsals for all understudies/replacements
• Update the Stage Manager’s Calling Script and as  needed
• Update Preset Lists and Run Sheets as needed
• Send Performance Reports after each performance with information including:
  • Late Arrivals/Absences
  • Illnesses/Injuries
  • Running Times
  • Audience Reactions
  • Issues with Scenery or Props
  • Issues with Costumes
  • Issues with Light Instruments or Board
  • Issues with Sound Equipment
  • Dropped Lines / Missed Cues / Show Error
  • Any Other Unusual Occurrences

Stage Manager may be required  to:

• Move Scenery or Props
• Operate Light, Sound, AV, or Automation boards

10 GOLDEN RULES OF STAGE MANAGEMENT

• Learn From Mistakes. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes as we practice our crafts. The best thing anyone can do is to analyze these situations and learn how to avoid making the same mistake again.
• Don’t Panic! Always remain calm, cool and collected. Never, Never yell. All Stage Managers should know the difference between raising their voices to be heard and yelling. If the Stage Manager loses it, everyone will panic.
• Safety First! The cast shouldn’t set foot on the stage unless you would walk on it barefoot. Inspect the set daily for potential problems. Are all stairs and platforms secure? Are all escapes adequately lit and glow taped? Do you know where the first aid kits and fire extinguishers are located? Who is certified in CPR and First Aid? The SM should be!
• Plan & Think Ahead. What can be done to avoid problems? How can the Stage Managers make life easier for everyone?
• There Are No Dumb Questions. It is better to ask and fell silly for a few seconds than to cause a disaster later.
• Prioritize Tasks & Delegate Authority. One person can’t do everything. Why do we have assistants if we don’t use them?!
• Early Is On Time. The SM should always be the first person in and the last person out of the theatre for a meeting or rehearsal. I always try to show up about 15 minutes before I really think I need to be there, just in case traffic is bad or any problems or delays occur.
• Put Everything In Writing. In other words, be a communicator! Dated daily rehearsal notes aid in communication and help to avoid conflicts over when requests or changes were made. (Voice mail and email are also great forms of communication! Get a pager or cell phone so you are easy to reach at all times!)
• Please & Thank You. Use these word everyday, especially when you are working with volunteers.
• Stage Managers DO Make Coffee. They also do a million other menial tasks that are meant to make people happy and boost morale. Buy donuts, bake brownies, make sure birthdays are recognized, and hole-punch all paperwork. These little things are really appreciated by everyone.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to info@grtccv.org.