Stage Management Basics

Chapter Six Pre-Production

Getting Organized

Once the show has been cast and the artistic team has been selected, there is some preparation that must be done before beginning the production process. Once the production is underway, things will be hectic, constantly changing, and time will slip away quickly. The best way to prepare for this inevitability is to take steps to over-prepare as much as possible before the process begins. This step, often referred to as “prep week,” involves creating the promptbook, preparing paperwork, creating the rehearsal schedule, preparing the space for rehearsals, and restocking the stage manager’s kit.

The Promptbook

The first step in any prep week is creating the promptbook. The promptbook, sometimes called ...