Theatre Tips

Management:

 This month's subject for Theatre Tips is "Management," as in Stage Management or Property Management, all those strategies which are helpful in keeping a complex and multifaceted event organized and on schedule. Any contributions by readers are welcome (see below).

The Prompt Script


The prompt script (or prompt book) may be the single most valuable tool a director uses in the course of a production. Before rehearsals begin, it is used to write in pre-blocking, to make notes about characterization, begin lists of anticipated production needs, organize designs and floor plans, etc. During rehearsals, the director, director's assistant or stage manager records script changes, new blocking, sound, light and stage cues, floor plans, and script interpretation in the prompt script. During performances, the prompt script is kept backstage by the stage manager and functions as the "operating manual" for the running of the production. After the performance, copies of the program, photos, and other relevant records of the production are included, the prompt script thus becoming a complete record of the production. Many teacher-directors will file prompt scripts from past productions to be used as valuable references, should the same play be produced again at a later date."

MAKING A PROMPT SCRIPT
"ACTIVITY! MAKING A PROMPT SCRIPT
To make a prompt script, obtain a three-ring, loose-leaf binder and a package of looseleaf paper, and enclose a copy of the script within it. There are two ways to do this. If the script is printed on both sides of the page, either 1) two copies of the script will be needed or 2) "windows" may be cut out of the notebook pages and the script pages attached inside the windows with cellophane tape. In any event, detach each page in turn from the script and tape it to a sheet of loose-leaf paper to be placed in the binder. It is frequently a good idea to have the script page taped to the right side page, as the binder lies open facing you. The left side will be blank and you will use it for writing on. Or be sure to leave large margins on all sides of the script for the writing of blocking, interpretation, etc.

TIP: Use different colors for the notation of particular types of cues and warning signals, e.g., lights—red, sound—blue, scene changes—green, actor entrances—brown). These cues will, once finalized, be transferred to "cue sheets" by the stage manager and distributed to the respective "crew heads."
TIP: As its name implies, the prompt script is, in part, used for prompting the actors on their lines. Only the director or whomever is holding the prompt script should ever prompt actors during rehearsals.


Help us with your ideas:
To comment on this idea, or offer management suggestions of your own for producing plays for schools, community theatres or any low budget productions, write us at comments@creativeeducationalsystems.com. Your thoughts will be posted to this site.

Note: This tip and many more ideas for productions for theatre for young people may be found in the book Producing the School Play. For more information, go to http://www.creativeeducationalsystems.com/web_files/Producing.html



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