• A stage manager must keep detailed and updated notes.notebook image by Danil Vachegin from Fotolia.com
  
  A stage manager is responsible for seeing that everything in a theatrical production runs smoothly. He takes notes for the director, coordinates schedules and is responsible for ensuring the entire show follows and maintains the director's vision. Patience, even-temperedness and organizational skills are crucial qualities for a stage manager to possess.
  
  

Preproduction

• If a stage manager has been selected before the production is cast, she will assist the director throughout the audition process by posting notices, taking notes, keeping everyone on schedule, having a thorough knowledge of the script and preparing the room for auditions. Additionally, the stage manager may be the person who notifies potential cast members of audition results.
  
  

During Rehearsals

• The stage manager attends every rehearsal. He records all blocking notes (where the actors move and what they do there) in his script, makes notes on any cuts or changes to the dialogue and notes anything the technical crew needs to know. After rehearsal, he writes a rehearsal report that reminds everyone of what occurred. The stage manager must be "on book" at all times, meaning he is ready to help actors with lines. After the date when all lines should be memorized, the stage manager takes notes on missed lines and delivers them to the actors after rehearsal.
  
  The stage manager prepares the rehearsal space and restores it after rehearsal. He may do this by getting assistant stage managers (ASM) and actors to help clean up after themselves. The stage manager also keeps a current list of contact information of the entire cast and crew. It is his responsibility to call anyone who is not at the appropriate place at the appropriate time.
  
  

Technical Rehearsals

• A stage manager meets with the director and designers for paper tech, where she records all necessary light, sound, scene change and other technical cues into her script. This becomes the master script for the performance. Stage managers call all cues for the performance, alerting light, sound, scenery and effects operators that they have a cue coming up, and directing them to take each cue at the appropriate time. Rehearsal reports and setup and cleanup duties continue throughout the tech rehearsal process.
  
  

Performances

• The stage manager gives 30 minute, 10 minute, and five minute calls to the cast and crew to get in their places before the start of the show. He coordinates with the house manager at the beginning of the performance and the end of intermission to start each act on time. Five minute and "Places" calls are also given at intermission.
  
  The stage manager brings any technical needs (broken props, torn costumes, etc.) to the attention of the appropriate technician so repairs may be made before the next performance.