What Does a Stage Management Thespy Entry Involve?
For a Stage Management entry, the Thespian must prepare and present digital and/or physical documents they created that showcase the stage manager’s promptbook and other paperwork for a production of a published theatrical work. Designs for performances of original works, poetry, fiction, screenplays, television, concerts, and/or any other medium are not permitted.
Only one (1) Thespian may be involved in the design; collaborations are not permitted. Designs for theoretical or realized productions are acceptable, though it is strongly recommended that the Thespian was responsible for the stage management of a realized production.
Showcasing Your Work for the Adjudicators
The Thespian must prepare a five- to eight-minute (5-8-minute) presentation showcasing and summarizing their work. The presentation should walk the adjudicators through the process of conceptualization, collaboration, and production decision-making using the specific items listed under “Required Materials.”
In addition, the Thespian should address the the general presentation prompts below as well as the roles the design elements played in the stage management for the production, any challenges faced while leading the production (especially ones that led to learnings that could be transferred into other, non-theatrical applications), and any processes or systems you created as part of your stage management routine (e.g., leading production meetings, creating blocking charts, etc.).
Presentations may be verbal or visual in format (the Thespian may speak, display a video that presents their material, or let their support materials describe their process fully; in the latter case, the support materials would need to be thorough enough to allow the adjudicators to understand all required components of the category).
Required Materials
(Expand each item for details.)
1. Representative sample consisting of at least five to ten (5-10) consecutive pages from the stage manager's promptbook.
- The pages should include dense blocking notation.
- The promptbook should include technical cue notations incorporated into the calling script/libretto (e.g., sound, lighting, etc.).
2. Additional support materials presented in a binder or digitally.
Additional support materials may be presented in a binder or digitally (the Thespian must provide their own equipment for viewing). Any digital presentation must display the work so that the adjudicators can see details during the presentation. The materials should exhibit consistency, clarity, and organization, and must include:
- Brief bulleted list of duties performed as stage manager, including those performed as part of the rehearsal process as well as during performances (before, during, and after the performance).
- At least three (3) examples of representative documentation from the following list:
- Props list.
- Costume change plot.
- Rehearsal calendar.
- Rehearsal reports – no more than five (5) are permitted.
- Scene change schedule/assignments.
- Line notes.
- Additional production-specific documents.
Optional Materials
The Thespian may bring in photo boards or other visual aids to display along with the promptbook and support materials. The Thespian may also provide an optional written response to share additional information about the design with the adjudicators.
Question & Answer Session
Following the presentation, a 4-minute Q&A session will commence in which the adjudicators may ask any questions about the stage management process or the additional support materials included.
Skills Measured
The skills measured by the adjudicators during the presentation are:
- Organization and documentation of the production process, including promptbooks, paperwork, and management tools.
- Ability to plan, prioritize, and implement procedures that support the needs of the production.
- Leadership and management skills demonstrated through presentation, documentation, and production materials.
- Understanding of how stage management supports collaboration across all departments in a theatrical production.
- Communication and problem-solving to ensure a cohesive and well-run production.
