Catalog Description
Advisory: Completion of THEA 22A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Description: Introduces students to the step-by-step process of stage managing a full-scale, live theatrical production. Students will learn the requisite pre-production, post-production, and performance day responsibilities in order to effectively manage the production. Skills acquired for this course include methods of communication with director, designers, cast and crew in a leadership position, writing rehearsal reports, monitoring rehearsals, and posting adjustments to the rehearsal schedule, running paper tech, cue-to-cue rehearsals, and calling cues for the performance over headset. (C-ID THTR 192) (CSU, UC)
Course Student Learning Outcomes
- CSLO #1: Identify and analyze the dynamic of the relationships between the stage manager and the production team.
- CSLO #2: Evaluate production requirements and generate appropriate reports, lists, plots, and schedules to meet those requirements.
- CSLO #3: Demonstrate techniques and skills necessary to perform pre-production tasks, for example leadership, communications best practices, collaboration, organizational methods, and problem-solving.
- CSLO #4: Demonstrate techniques and skills necessary to perform production tasks, including organizational methods, communication best practices and supervisory abilities.
Effective Term
Fall 2026
Course Type
Credit - Degree-applicable
Contact Hours
90
Outside of Class Hours
72
Total Student Learning Hours
162
Course Objectives
Lecture Objectives:
1. Discuss the relationship between the stage manager and the production team members and determine appropriate communication within given circumstances.
2. Identify and discuss how to coordinate, maintain, and manage all aspects of the rehearsal process.
Activity Objectives:
3. Create appropriate paper work to practice supporting
pre-production needs.
4. Execute the requisite techniques to run pre-production, post-production and performance day tasks.
General Education Information
- Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
- CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
- Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
- IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
Articulation Information
- CSU Transferable
- UC Transferable
Methods of Evaluation
- Classroom Discussions
- Example: Instructor will create a list of questions (with a point value on thoroughness for each response) for discussion topics. Topics may include blocking notation techniques, ways to provide line notes to actors, and designation of support duties to assistant stage managers. Sample Question: What do you believe is the best way to notate actor’s line notes and why?
- Essay Examinations
- Example: After providing examples and discussing in class, students will answer a short answer essay with offering solutions to determine the best practice for common rehearsal and performance problems such as actors arriving late, crew members not completing assigned duties, or set construction. Essay will be graded using a standardized rubric with the following measuring criteria and units: A. Was the problem solved? (1-5) B. Was respect for the actor/crew member maintained? (1-5) C. Was the authority of the stage manager maintained? (1-5) D. Ability to problem solve (1-5)
- Skill Demonstrations
- Example: Instructor will evaluate students ability to call cues for a mock performance according to a sample template that reflects industry standards.
Repeatable
No
Methods of Instruction
- Activity
- Lecture/Discussion
- Distance Learning
Activity:
- Instructor will provide a sample ground plan for a play in production and assign students to set-up the director's table, tape out the dimensions of the set on stage, pull rehearsal furniture and props, and strike all items at end of the mock rehearsal.
Lecture:
- Following a lecture, students will analyze the dynamics of a hypothetical problem situation among production team members, and suggest best ways to communicate and solve the problem.
Distance Learning
- Instructor will provide a script for the students to read and analyze. The students will take the script and create an audition form and French scene chart for a hypothetical production. Instructor will then lead a group discussion using the French scene chart on how to create a potential rehearsal schedule based on the needs of the play.
Typical Out of Class Assignments
Reading Assignments
1. Read The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekov and type up character list and create a synopsis of scene breakdowns. 2. Read Chapter from text book on pre-show preparation and be prepared to discuss approaches to devising a timeline of events.
Writing, Problem Solving or Performance
Problem Solving: Create and organize a prompt book for an assigned play that may include pre-show call and preparation times (such as house opening, warm-ups, and call for places), noting places in script where stand-bys and cues occur, and highlighting incorrect line readings by actors. Writing: Write a detailed mock rehearsal report including present cast members, actions taken during rehearsal, future call sheets, notes for crew assignments, and plans for upcoming rehearsals.
Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)
Required Materials
- The Stage Manager's Toolkit
- Author: Laurie Kincman
- Publisher: Focal Press
- Publication Date: 2017
- Text Edition: 2nd
- Classic Textbook?: No
- OER Link:
- OER:
- Stage Management Forms and Formats
- Author: Barbara Dilker
- Publisher: Quite Specific Media Group
- Publication Date: 1992
- Text Edition:
- Classic Textbook?: No
- OER Link:
- OER:
- Stage Management: The Essential Handbook
- Author: Gail Pallin
- Publisher: Nick Hern Books
- Publication Date: 2011
- Text Edition: 1st
- Classic Textbook?: No
- OER Link:
- OER:
- Stage Management
- Author: Lawrence Stern and Jill Gold
- Publisher: Routledge
- Publication Date: 2021
- Text Edition: 12th
- Classic Textbook?: No
- OER Link:
- OER:
