Overview 

This standard is about preparing and running the rehearsal room. The standard requires you to interpret the creative parameters of the production supporting the artistic development of the production by taking responsibility for the smooth running of rehearsals.

You must also ensure that prompts and cues are given at the correct time and in the correct sequence. You will also prepare, maintain and distribute the documents and information relating to the rehearsal process.

This Standard is for Stage Manager, Deputy Stage Managers and Assistant Stage Managers.

 

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. prepare the rehearsal schedule in accordance with director's specifications, production requirements and cast availability
  2. prepare and maintain the prompt copy through rehearsals recording blocking, costume and set changes
  3. prepare and check documentation and production information is complete, accurate and legible and meets with text, director's and production requirements
  4. ensure content changes are annotated, edited or cut as required by the creatives and alterations are communicated to personnel
  5. copy and circulate documentation and production information personnel in line with production requirements
  6. produce complete and up-to-date rehearsal notes and distribute them to the relevant personnel
  7. maintain records of production documentation and information to reflect changes as required
  8. confirm that the required personnel are present at each rehearsal (run through covered)
  9. monitor the rehearsals run according to schedule and monitor each rehearsal against its intended outcome
  10. identify any deviations from the rehearsal schedule, agree actions required to restore or amend the rehearsal schedule with the relevant people where necessary
  11. amend the rehearsal schedule when required and distribute to the relevant people
  12. follow the prompt copy and check performers are listened to and prompted in accordance with the production requirements
  13. for the final run through, liaise with the PM with regards to the get in and on stage scheduling of the show 

 

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. how to interpret production information as required
  2. how to prepare a prompt script and rehearsal schedule in line with industry standards
  3. when to liaise with other staff in rehearsals for example to pick-up points in music with rehearsal pianist or conductor, or with choreographer
  4. technical requirements such as lighting and sound
  5. rehearsal space procedures and policies for example health and safety, emergencies, venue/company's policies
  6. how to identify the personnel requirements for different types of rehearsals and specific scenes
  7. the importance of monitoring rehearsals and the rehearsal schedule and how to do this
  8. circumstances that might lead to deviations from the rehearsal schedule and the corrective actions to take in response to these
  9. organisational policies and procedures for scheduling rehearsals, distributing rehearsal schedules and notifying people of changes made to schedules
  10. the problems that might occur in obtaining resources and the corrective actions to take in response to these
  11. organisational, professional and union agreements for hours of work, rest periods and calls
  12. aspects of the developing rehearsals that affect requirements for the rehearsal space and how to respond to changes
  13. the importance of rehearsal calls and how to provide these effectively
  14. the importance of confirming people's understanding of information and how to do this
  15. the factors to take into consideration when deciding how and when to provide cues and prompts in line with production requirements
  16. the purpose and function of rehearsal notes and how to meet organisational policies and procedures for their structure, content and distribution
  17. the importance of the prompt copy and your responsibilities in connection with it