The Back Stage Guide to Stage Management: Traditional and New Methods for Running a Show from First Rehearsal to Last Performance

by Thomas A. Kelly

This widely used manual for stage managers has been revised to include new methods that employ computers and spread-sheet software, automation in the theater, and contemporary event managing. Whether you work in the amateur, educational, or professional theater, you'll find all the nuts and bolts of the craft clearly laid out in this engaging, friendly book.

Author Thomas Kelly combines how-to information with personal experiences of his own and of other top-level stage managers to explain the entire theatrical process,

• Preproduction planning

• Organizing of all rehearsals and performances

• Maintaining of the technical aspects of the show

• Supervision of the technical aspects of the show

• Dealing with performers and crew members on all levels


And there's good advice on finding employment, too. The text, supported by many sample documents, diagrams, and charts, straddles traditional approaches and the use of computers. It shows how the communication skills of the stage manager can be applied with success to event managing—a field that offers increasing opportunities for work—and it explores the benefits and disadvantages of the latest stage machinery.

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction, Reference, Plays, Textbooks

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1991

Reviews

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was really hard for me to get into this book, because so much of the information is repeating things I've known for years. What interested me the most were the appendixes of paperwork examples. Sounds boring, right?
The best part about the book was the anecdotes this veteran stage manager shared about the times things went horribly awry, or the times he came up with an innovative solution to a problem. It humanised the book. It also demonstrated that even the best mess up, but the best learn from their mistakes.

[Nessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very valuable guide, but in need of a new edition. The comments about the use of computers are grossly outdated.

[JHM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I'm about to return to stage managing after a *very* long absence -- and it was exactly what I needed to help reorient myself. Kelly has written an engaging book which discusses both the interpersonal and organizational skills necessary to being an excellent stage manager, and illustrates his points with anecdotes from his long career. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in stage management, whatever type of theater they are working in.

[Bronwyn]

AMazingly helpful. I owe the success to the musical I SMed on this book!

[Lyric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for first time stage managers to use as reference.

[Mark Howard · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is geared for professional theater and so does not include not much practical advice for a community theater or high school facility. The appendix includes lots of samples, some of which may apply.

I give it a low rating not because it isn’t well written (though it does get repetitive and verbose at times) but because so little of it applies to my situation. Surely there is a similar guide to “practical” Stage Managing in small venues. I shall have to keep looking.

I knew before reading this book that the Stage Manager does or is responsible for essentially everything that goes on in theater, but according to this seasoned Broadway professional, the stage manager does or is responsible for *literally* everything! His description sounds like an impossible job for one person. Indeed an SM in a professional theater does have several assistants but the stress and ultimate responsibility still rests with the SM.

[Carolyn Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. Despite being geared to professional stage management, this was a great resource for the beginner. It has an excellent appendix and glossary, and covers all aspects of state managing from opera to calling cues to birthdays to emergency managing. Will probably read again.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little more than what I need for community theater but well written and explained in a way that is easy to understand and follow

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

After 12 years, it's probably time for a third edition of this handbook. This is not to say that all of the information in Thomas Kelly's book is obsolete. Hardly. But, theater is a dynamic art which continues to change over time at every level. For example, Kelly illustrates the use of computers in a theater setting which, in 1999, was still evolving rapidly. Thus, he sometimes employs terminology which was proprietary to the particular system he was using at the time and may confound the contemporary reader.

On the other hand, there is a huge wealth of information included here which is both practical and timeless. Kelly draws from many of his personal experiences to illustrate the sorts of problems (and solutions) which a professional stage manager is likely to encounter. This is not merely a technical handbook. The author addresses psychological and interpersonal issues which are still as valid today as in Shakespeare's time. He emphasizes the fact that a good stage manager must be both a technical expert and a good team leader. Kelly sugar-coats nothing, but still manages to generate enthusiasm for his subject.

The only other improvement I'd make to this book would be to incorporate the appendices directly into the text. These appendices fill about a third of the book, and having to constantly flip back and forth between the main text and the appendices becomes a real annoyance. Despite this fairly major flaw, most readers will likely find a wealth of useful information here.

[Indrani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent guide for anyone who is considering or is involved in theatrical stage management. Mr. Kelly bring considerable experience to the subject, and encourages one to learn from his mistakes and missteps while developing their own style and approach to the work.

Whether you're going into professional, paid work, doing community theatre, working in a large theatre or s small one, this book is a must! While it can seem dry in places due to the amount of information imparted, it is by no means long-winded. Mr. Kelley makes excellent use of brief examples of things going both well and... not so well to expand on the information given. He also gives excellent examples of diagrams, organizational sheets, cue lists, etc.

[Gina Guesby Mays · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. I know most of it by heart. It is what I do.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear. Concise. Complete!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative read that will come in handy when I'm an ASM later this semester!

[Fishsanwitt]

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