8.1 The Stage Managers' Book

The most important document to the life of a production, besides the script is the Stage Managers' Book. In you will find all information pertinent to the show. So what should be included in the book?

Use a large 3-ring binder for the stage managers book. Include in it the script and the playbill. You must also include the contact information for all department heads. Set positions, stage lighting plots, cue sheets a master cue sheet, costuming schedules and anything to do with the organizing of the play should all be in the book, in organized, labeled sections.

Not only does the stage manager use the book to organize departments in the realization of sets, properties and technical aspects of the play, but also to run the performance on show night. Stage managers follow the script and normally call all of the lighting, sound, curtain and special technical cues.