Senior Thespian Stage Management

WHAT TO PREPARE 

For a Stage Management entry, the Thespian must present digital and/or physical  documents that showcase the stage manager’s promptbook and other paperwork for a production of a published work written for the theatre. Designs for performances of original work, poetry, fiction, screenplays, television, concerts, or any other medium are  not permitted. Only one (1) Thespian may be involved in the design; no collaborations  are permitted. Designs for either theoretical or realized productions are acceptable, though it is strongly recommended that the Thespian was responsible for the actual  stage management for a realized production. All rules listed in the Senior Thespian General Rules apply. The Thespian must prepare the following: 

  1. A portfolio of materials (bound or digital) that exhibits consistency, clarity, and organization of materials and that must include the following:
    1. A brief bulleted list of duties performed as stage manager, including during the rehearsal process and during performances (before, during, and after);
    2. Representative sample from the promptbook: at least five to ten (5-10) consecutive pages from the prompt script that includes dense blocking notation and technical cues (lights, sound, etc.);
    3. Representative documentation: at least three (3) examples of production documentation from the following list:
      1. Props list;
      2. Costume change plot;
      3. Rehearsal calendar;
      4. Up to five (5) rehearsal reports;
      5. Scene change assignments;
      6. Line notes;
      7. Additional production-specific documents.
  2. A five to eight (5-8)-minute presentation(plus an optional 4 minutes for Q + A with judges)  summarizing the work with connections to concept, collaboration, and design decision-making.  The Thespian may use digital media during the presentation (the Thespian must provide their own equipment for viewing), or the Thespian may bring photo boards or other visual aids to display along with the portfolio.
    1. The Thespian should address general questions such as:
      1. What are some of your responsibilities in your field?
      2. How did the director’s concept influence your work?
      3. How did the style of the play affect your work?
      4. If the production was realized, what challenges did you face in unifying the director’s concept across all areas of your work?
    2. The Thespian should address category-specific topics such as:
      1. What role(s) did the design elements play in the stage management for this production?
      2. What did you learn during your stage management experience that you can take into other areas of your life?
      3. If you led production meetings, describe your process.
  3. Optional written essay response to share additional information about the stage management process with the adjudicators.
Scroll to Top