Overview 

This standard is about ensuring the performance runs as directed. It involves checking that people, systems and resources required for the performance are available and ready for the show to go on. You will also be involved with providing calls, cues and prompts to maintain the performance as directed.

This standard is for Stage Managers.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. plan your work activities to ensure that your own responsibilities for carrying out pre-show checks are achieved
2. complete your pre-show checks and confirm that all pre-show checks are completed in line with the performance requirements
3. report any problems with completing pre-show checks to your line manager
4. confirm that technical and stage preparations have been completed prior to the performance and during any interval(s)
5. inform personnel of any problems with maintaining the performance as directed.
6. provide cues, calls and prompts before and during the performance at the agreed time and using the agreed methods
7. monitor the performance to ensure that cues and calls are provided at the agreed time and sequence
8. identify deviations from the performance as directed and adjust the timing of cues if required
9. inform personnel of any changes to the timing of cues and backstage calls to be given or the methods to be used.
10. give company calls for the next performance in accordance with instructions and organisational and contractual requirements.
11. call the show from the prompt copy in line with production requirements
12. give backstage announcements clearly, in the agreed order and time
13. monitor receipt of cues and respond to problems as required
14. update the prompt copy as required
15. deliver audience announcements
16. communicate changes to the performance to personnel and provide written notification as required
17. check and confirm changes that occur during performance meet production standards
18. check that the timing of the prompt is audible to the performers and in line with both performers and director's prompt copies
19. monitor production and performance elements to ensure consistency and quality of each
20. write a show report in accordance with organisational procedures after the completion of every performance and distribute it to the appropriate personnel
21. make adjustments to ensure consistency and quality of performance and document them in the show report
22. if necessary, discuss adjustments first with line manager and/or creative team
23. update documentation and production information to reflect changes as required

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. the importance of completing required pre-show checks and how to confirm this
2. how to check and confirm the personnel required for the performance are present
3. how to provide cues calls and prompts during a performance
4. how to group cues for long or complex sequences
5. how to use a script or musical score and observation of the performance to identify cueing points
6. the methods by which cues can be provided
7. the stand by times for the different people involved with the performance
8. how to identify and respond to problems or events that affect the agreed timing or methods used for cues
9. alternative ways of providing cues and how to use these when problems arise
10. the circumstances that might result in aborted go’s and the action to take in response to these
11. how to communicate and check understanding with team members, colleagues and line managers during the running of a performance.
12. how to prompt performers if required, ensuring that the timing of the prompt is audible to the performers, in accordance with prompt copy, performers and director's requirements
13. how to monitor activities against performance requirements
14. roles and responsibilities in relation to maintaining the performance as directed
15. front of house procedures and the implications of these for maintaining the performance
16. company procedures for stopping a show and/or evacuating the building in the event of an emergency
17. problems that might occur in maintaining the performance as directed and the action to take in response to these
18. how to make informed decisions within your area of responsibility and authority
19. when you need to discuss an adjustment to the performance with your line manager and/or the production team
20. the production information that needs to be recorded
21. the importance and function of the show report.
22. the importance of the show report for reporting changes to the timing of cues or the methods to be used