Stage Management

by Lawrence Stern

The "bible" in the field of stage management, Stage Management is a practical manual on how to stage manage in all theater environments. Full of practical checklists, diagrams, examples, forms and step-by-step directions, this book has been used and admired by students and theater professionals alike. It eschews excessive discussion of philosophy and, instead, gets right to the essential materials and processes of putting on a production. In addition to sharing his own expertise, the author has gathered practical advice from working stage managers of Broadway, off-Broadway, touring companies, regional, community, and 99-seat Equity waiver theaters.

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction, Reference

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read an older edition of this book because new editions are priced like textbooks. The 9th edition is woefully out of date. Even though it was updated in 2010, it doesn't mention much use of computers or the internet. I did find it helpful as a general guide, but would recommend finding a more modern book for reference.

[Leander · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars.

An average read.

I recently joined the Drama Club in my college and am reading up on theater and it's various aspects, and so I had picked up this book.
It reads more like a self-help book than a book on stage management. Major portions of it are just pages telling the stage manager to be positive, to be cheerful and etcetera ad nauseum.

Still, it did teach me worth a page or two of stuff strictly related to stage management, and so I added half a star more.

[Ash V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because of its take on what a stage manager should be. I'm happy to know that I'm doing an okay job and within six months I should know whether or not it should be my career. Glad my former professor gave me this book. An insightful read, really loved the stories in the appendix.

[Devyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been spending my time at our local theater, but while I was away I did have the chance to read a book. A book about stage management ironically enough, so it was an easy theater tie in. I've been slowly learning how to do things at the theater and wanted to conquer stage management next.

I had watched a few people stage manage before me so I knew the general direction of things. What needed the most attention, what didn't deserve stressing out and what I could improve on organization skill wise.

I had mentioned my interest in being a stage manager and was told I'd be a good fit to try a small cast first. Small cast here meaning four people; however the production currently happening was the only one of the season with a small cast.

I was bummed.

And then I was handed a few books and PDF's to read by friends, Stage Management being one of them. I read the book in less than a week and took extensive notes. I found that a lot of the chapters went a little overboard for the type of theater that work at but it would be great for a traveling stage show or a show on a much larger scale.

The book offers many examples of paperwork that you could use to aid you in your stage managing journey. As well as check off sheets for setting the stage, cleaning the stage and emergency protocols.

I would suggest this book to anyone who has an interest in stage managing. I believe it's a school text book, but very handy to anyone looking to apply a more structured stage management environment.

And apparently my note taking and book reading paid off. I was recently asked to stage manage our next production, 9 to 5 the musical. I know if it wasn't for this book my workstation and binder would be a pigsty and I would be completely lost.

I'm going to make Dolly proud, Y'all!

[Colton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for inexperienced students and teachers of stage management alike. I’m a senior Theatre Ed major, and I believe this will prove a very valuable resource for my classes and student SM’s in the future. I definitely recommend this book, if nothing else, for any teacher who does not feel confident explaining and teaching this invaluable role of theatre production.

[Malia Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read the 10th edition, but goodreads doesn't feel that so... Anyway. It was a very informative read and if anyone seeks a career in theatre I would encourage them to get a copy of this book and hold on to it. It has more info then you would ever want to know.

[Ashley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously "the bible" for those back stage making everything happen. I remember this being difficult to find, I cannot tell you how much I wish I had purchased it immediately! An amazing resource and absolute necessity.

[heather jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my first stage management books- but now in it's 8th edition! Worth a quick look to check any updates.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a wonderful resource for stage managers.