Overview 

This standard is about the preparation and development of a prompt copy of the script commonly called “The Book”.

The standard covers preparation of the prompt copy ensuring that this is done in adequate time and that required information is included as it becomes available. You maintain the prompt copy during rehearsals. You must ensure that all changes made during the rehearsal period and as the production develops are recorded. You will mark all cue points using the accepted conventions and make sure that the final prompt copy is accessible, accurate and complete. The prompt copy must be kept safe and secure and you must confirm access arrangements with the people who are authorised to use it.

This standard is typically for Stage Managers and Deputy Stage Managers and Show Callers on the book.

Note: dance notation is a specialist skill and is not expected from a stage manager who might, however, be expected to know how to record beginning positions or the location of performers on the stage at critical cue points.

 

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. prepare the prompt copy in time for the first rehearsal
  2. confirm that the information is up-to-date to include in the prompt copy
  3. prepare the prompt copy to comply with accepted conventions
  4. record content changes in the prompt copy
  5. record performer moves and pauses and make adjustments to reflect changes made during the rehearsal process
  6. maintain details of the timing and nature of technical and performer cues required
  7. ensure that running times are kept and disseminated to relevant personnel.
  8. obtain and include information as it becomes available during the rehearsal process
  9. check and confirm that all information is reliable, up-to-date and sufficient
  10. use agreed conventions to maintain the prompt copy
  11. check that cue points, standbys and backstage calls are recorded with action detail
  12. notate agreed changes to the nature or sequence of cues
  13. maintain safe and secure storage of the prompt copy and confirm access arrangements with people who are authorised to use it
  14. check and confirm that cue times allow for different scenarios

 

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the information that should be included in a prompt copy and how to obtain this
  2. why the information is required and how to extract information from scripts, working drawings and plans, cast lists, call schedules and cast contact lists
  3. accepted conventions for assembling a prompt copy and how to apply these
  4. how the conventions for prompt copies for dance and opera may differ
  5. who requires access to the prompt script and how to balance access against security
  6. the production schedule and the implications of this for the preparation of the prompt copy
  7. organisational policy and procedures for preparing, maintaining and storing a prompt copy
  8. how to apply accepted conventions for maintaining a prompt script, including blocking notation
  9. how to record performer movement
  10. how to identify and indicate the need for technical and performer cues
  11. the plots required for the production and how to develop and interpret these, for instance for flys or props
  12. how to monitor scenes and running times
  13. how to time cues to allow for different response times
  14. the importance of timing quick changes and how to accommodate these in the sequence and timing of cues
  15. the importance of coordinating cues and how such coordination is achieved
  16. how to notate the timing of, and time required for, scene changes, quick changes and calls
  17. accepted conventions for marking cues