Most theatrical productions have a stage manager. The stage manager usually is backstage during the entire performance. They follow the script, and either by headset or by physical or verbal cues, tell the stage crew when to open or close the curtains or change the set, tell the actors when to enter, cues the light person and possibly the person in charge of music.
The most important task would be to get the actors from the green room to the stage before they are due to enter for their scene. If you don’t have headsets, the stage manager should tell a “runner” to go to the green room and bring the required actors to the wings. If you have headsets, then the stage manager would call the person in the green room and request certain actors be sent to the stage.
There are very expensive theatrical headsets and transmitters, but there is also a very inexpensive and effective alternative. You can order two-way radios (walkie talkies) with chargers and earphones on the internet. There are lots of different brands, and they can be bought in groups of 6, 10, or more. If you turn them off immediately after a rehearsal or show and don’t leave them on the charger too long, they will last for several years. It’s a good idea to have a couple of extras because if they don’t recharge adequately or stop working, you need to have a substitute. The earphones go bad more often than the transmitters. It’s best not to detach them from the transmitters unless you must. They also sell headphones for the transmitters. These are more expensive than earphones, but are easier to hear and speak through. It’s good to have two or three headphones for the stage manager and a few key persons who need to speak to the stage manager during a show.
The most difficult thing about calling young actors to the stage is the noise in the green room. If you let the kids talk to one another, you won’t be able to hear the calls to the stage. Remember, the stage manager is usually speaking very softly. But if you don’t let the cast talk at all, they get very bored and will talk anyway. During rehearsals, you can allow them to whisper, but if it gets too loud, then no talking. During shows, no talking in the green room. Caution: don’t let the actors use their phones or small games during a rehearsal or during a show. They will not hear it when you call their names. Instead, give them paper and colored pencils and allow them to draw and to pass notes. You can also let them do homework during rehearsals, but, of course, very few will do that!
Although lights and music are sometimes included in a stage manager’s script, it is not absolutely necessary. Both lights and music should have their own script with cues for them written in, but they each should have earphones for the cue to begin the show and in case of problems.
The stage manager script should be large and single sided with lots of room in the margins for notes. They should have a pencil with their script and a list of calls to actors. During rehearsals, they should write in more information and make changes in pencil. Then, before the show, create a second script, using dark pen that is easier to read in dark lighting and to underline certain lines that are crucial cues for set crew or entrances. Stage managers will need some sort of small portable light, a reading light that attaches to the script notebook or a flashlight that hangs from the neck.
The stage manager is a very important role. You need someone who is reliable, experienced, and can deal quickly with problems. One way is to use older teenagers or college kids who had been actors in the group when they were younger. You could pay them a small amount per rehearsal and show, which helps with reliability. Having an assistant stage manager, who is slightly younger or less experienced, is a good idea. When the older person leaves, then the younger one becomes the stage manager. You can also use parents or other adults, if you can find someone who is dedicated and can deal with the pressure. Being stage manager is a high-pressure task. It takes a certain kind of person to do the job. If you can find such a person, they are better than gold!
