A shift plot lists the stage management assignments and technical cues for a production. Stage managers and crew are assigned to tasks like operating flying pieces, moving set pieces between locations, and handling props and actors.

This template is in MS Excel. A version is MS Word is also available for download.

Creating a list of props for each character and scene is essential. Many scripts list on the back pages, along with production notes. Other do not. In either case, it's important to read the script carefully. As you read, highlight and add the props to the list. Then, when you meet with the director, go over your Props List together. They may have changes to the script's list, including new props. As rehearsals progress, there may be further changes and additions, so an editable list is of great help,

Creating a list of props for each character and scene is essential. Many scripts list on the back pages, along with production notes. Other do not. In either case, it's important to read the script carefully. As you read, highlight and add the props to the list. Then, when you meet with the director, go over your Props List together. They may have changes to the script's list, including new props. As rehearsals progress, there may be further changes and additions, so an editable list is of great help,

The Character/Scene Breakdown is a scene-by-scene (and often page-by-page) analysis of the which characters perform in each scene, but can also be used to tag the technical requirements for each scene. It's most helpful to the stage manager for keeping track of the essence of each scene, and for setting up rehearsals. But, it's also useful for other staff members, including those doing publicity.

This template is meant for use in a non-musical. A version for musicals is also available for download.

Both templates are in MS Excel, and can be modified to suit your needs.

The Character/Scene Breakdown is a scene-by-scene (and often page-by-page) analysis of the which characters perform in each scene, but can also be used to tag the technical requirements for each scene. It's most helpful to the stage manager for keeping track of the essence of each scene, and for setting up rehearsals. But, it's also useful for other staff members, including those doing publicity.

This template is meant for use in a musical. A version for non-musicals is also available for download.

This handbook provides an outline of the responsibilities, expectations, and guidelines of a stage manager for theatre performances.

Included in the handbook is a breakdown of the duties required for stage managing that follows a chronological path from the initial meetings and preparation through the closing of the show. The duties listed are the general procedures and practices found in most theatres, but are not intended as an exhaustive resource on the art of stage management.

This is one of two templates for a performance report. This one has fewer categories (props, costumes, scenery, and issues for the technical director, but provides more room to write comments.

Both templates are MS Word files, socategory names can easily be changed to meet your needs.

Below is one of two templates for a performance report. This one includes sections for issues about actors and crew, notes to the house manager, problems or repairs needed, accidents or injuries, and additional notes if needed. The other one (which must be downloaded separately) has fewer categories (props, costumes, scenery, and issues for the technical director, but with more room to write.

Both this one and the other one are MS Word files, so category names can easily be changed to meet your needs.

Prior to the first tech the stage manager should create a detailed run list that clearly shows any/all onstage/backstage movements of props, scenic elements etc. by actors, ASMs or run crew during a performance.

This PDF is an example of the format for such a list, which you can re-create in an app like MS Word or Excel.

While not standard across all theatres, a report after each rehearsal can be very helpful. Make sure the wording of the report does not come off as a demand rather than a question, gets a clear message across, and communicates the appropriate desire. These reports can be emailed to the production team the day following each rehearsal. If the report is received after this time, it limits the production team's ability to respond to any issues that may be contained in the report.