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Stagecraft Week 6:  What's BACK there? 
(Stage Managers, Props Masters)
September 23-27, 2024

Important terms are in RED.

Google Classroom assignments are in BLUE.

If ABSENT, you are REQUIRED to read / understand / do all activities posted for that day, even if it's not an "assignment".  

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Day 1:  (Sub)

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Read/do Sub Plans for today's date in Google Classroom (includes graded assignments).​

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Day 2: Role of SM (Stage Manager) / Intro to Props

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1.) Discussed our next unit ("What's Back There?") and how in this unit we will be learning about various backstage roles in theatre. This week's focus will be Stage Managers & Props Masters

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2.) Reviewed what you've already learned (last class) about the role of SM's (Stage Managers)

  • Overall function:  Facilitate, supervise, and help make a director's vision reality

  • Pre-Production:  a lot of PAPERWORK (schedules, scene breakdowns, script copies, props lists, etc.)

  • Rehearsal Process: keeping show on track (facilitates director)

  • Once On Stage:  Oversee cast, tech, crew, etc. (fully in charge)

  • Once Show Opens: keep everything "frozen" (same every night) / Maintain director's vision / Call cues

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3.) Reviewed: Stage Management terms/tools already learned (last class):

  • callboard

  • "spiking a set"

  • groundplan   (a scaled drawing of the stage/set)

  • spike tape

  • gaff tape

  • glow tape

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4.) Watched two videos of SM's "calling cues" during a show (if absent, watch at least 90 seconds of each).  

Discussed as a class the following:

  1. What, specifically, do you notice about HOW each SM calls cues during a production?

  2. What do you notice about WHAT each SM was watching while calling the show?

  3. What SKILLS do you think are needed to "call" a show well?

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5.) Watched/discussed a video about the Role of a Props Master (Phantom of the Opera).  If absent, be sure to watch this on your own.)

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6.) Discussed:  If you had to gather or make props for a show what is the FIRST thing you'd probably need to do?  (READ THE SCRIPT)

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7.) Introduced this year's musical:  Mary Poppins.  Discussed the time/place of the story:  London.  1910. Autumn.

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8.)  In pairs, students READ assigned scenes from the musical.  (See reading directions below.)

  • (For songs, go to youtube and type in "Mary Poppins Musical Soundtrack" to help you while reading.)

  • While reading, BOX IN locations described in script (or info important to location/setting).

  • While reading, CIRCLE all props. In addition, UNDERLINE information important to the description of the prop or how it's used by actors.

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Day 3: SM & Props

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1.) Reviewed:  Role of Stage Manager

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2.) Watched a video (Stage Managers: What do they do? - Kinky Boots) and discussed new things learned about Stage Managers.

 

3.) Watched a video (Working in the Theatre: Prop Masters from 2:10-10:26) and discussed. (If absent, be sure to complete this on your own.)

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4.) Observed/Discussed:  Various examples of Props Tables

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5.) Reviewed this year's musical:  Mary Poppins.  Discussed the time/place of the story:  London.  1910. Autumn.

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6.)  In pairs, students READ assigned scenes from the musical.  (See reading directions below.)

  • (For songs, go to youtube and type in "Mary Poppins Musical Soundtrack" to help you while reading.)

  • While reading, BOX IN locations described in script (or info important to location/setting).

  • While reading, CIRCLE all props. In addition, UNDERLINE information important to the description of the prop or how it's used by actors.

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Day 4:

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1.) Watched a video (Specialty Props) and discussed problem-solving in prop-making, as well as the various tools and materials used to make props (as shown in the video).  (If absent, watch up to 14:55 on your own.)

 

​2.) Ms. Price showed the process of creating a speciality prop from last year's musical.  Students observed photos from the process, and were able to interact with the final product.

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3.) Discussed specialty props needed for this year's musical:  Mary Poppins.

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4.) Watched a video  (Special Effects Props in Mary Poppins - 4:00). and discussed problem-solving with props.

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5.) Students worked to complete their script reading/analysis (see yesterday's lesson).

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6.) Students were asked to transfer all of their script's marked prop data into a Props List

  • See/complete the following assignment in Google Classroom:  Props List for Mary Poppins.

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EXPLORE MORE (Optional):

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Additional Videos on Props:  

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​Additional Videos on Special Effects on Stage: 

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Additional Videos on Stage Management:

 

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