Stage manager

Also called: SM · PSM (production stage manager)

The hub of the production. The stage manager schedules, records every decision, keeps everyone talking, and calls the cues once the show opens.

In UK companies the SM leads the team, while the deputy (DSM) sits on the book and calls cues. In the US the SM usually calls the show.

Stage managers

How-to: Calling cuesWarning, standby, go: how to say them, with a cue light to click through.

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Assistant stage managerThe stage manager's right hand backstage: props, presets, scene changes, actor tracking, and running the wings during the show.
Deputy stage managerIn UK practice, the member of stage management who keeps the prompt book, prompts actors in rehearsal and calls the cues in performance.
Prompt bookThe stage manager's master binder: the script with every blocking note and cue, plus contacts, schedules and plots.
Calling the showThe stage manager giving every standby and GO, from the prompt book, during a performance.

More in Who does what

Director Producer Production manager Technical director Dramaturg Props master