Backstage management

Question 1

What is the role of backstage crew?

Answer 1

keeps the whole show running. No matter how sophisticated the lights are or how loud the sound is, if the performers aren’t on stage, the performance still won’t be successful!

Question 2

What are the equipment needed for backstage runners?

Answer 2

Backstage Runner” or “Backstage Organizer” Clipboard

Blank paper for notes

Pen/Pencil

A radio with a headset and belt

A radio with a headset and belt

A Projector remote control

Question 3

What is in the backstage runner/backstasge organizer clipboard?

Answer 3

Copy of programs order

notes regarding which performers need to be arranged in each wing

Question 4

What notes do the left wing staff need to know?

Answer 4

notes on if performers start on or off stage + (signal PAR)

Question 5

What notes do the right wing staff need to know?

Answer 5

notes on when curtains open/close

Question 6

What are the numbers for right wing organizer and right wing runner?

Answer 6

203 - Right wing Organizer

#205 - Right wing Runner

Question 7

What are the numbers for left wing organizer and left wing runner?

Answer 7

204 - Left wing Organizer

#206 - Left wing Runner

Question 8

What is the backstage crew setup?

Answer 8

1. Check the First Aid kit and ensure that it is properly stocked.
2. Ensure that there are work gloves on the hooks near the curtain
3. Check that the rat run behind the last curtain is clear and accessible for performers to cross through and enter/exit easily
4. Ensure that you have the most recent copy of the performance order - performers are to begin on your side of the stage on the outside of the auditorium doors leading to your wing and leading to the opposite wing.
5. Ensure that you have posted a copy of the program on the outside of the stage doors and one in each holding location (changerooms, cafeteria)
6. Ensure that backstage wings are clean
7. Ensure that there is a program order posted backstage and the red backstage lamps are turned on

Question 9

What do backstage management need to know for dress rehersal?

Answer 9

point of the Dress rehearsal is to test out the show and fix any errors in cues, order, costuming, etc.

1. be ready to add notes to your performance order (the screen being lowered and raised, when curtains need to be opened/closed. also need to be aware of whether the podium needs to be moved during the show and plan accordingly.
2. confirm which performers are entering from which side, giving an idea of how much ppl are backstage per act
3. MCs (if there are any) will enter from backstage in the right wing. the job of the organiser to tell them when to enter the stage and, when necessary, hold open the main curtain for them to enter. If the main curtain is open, they can simply walk behind it and around it to the podium
4. Dress Rehearsal will be run in the order of the show, regardless of any possible delays,
5. cues that do not make sense or need to be tweaked, this will be the time to do so.

Question 10

What do runners do when running a show?

Answer 10

retrieve performers from the holding/changing area and set them up outside the auditorium

• get group form holding area

-line up performers

-help preformers enter in quietly

-make sure no one is hanging out in change rooms

Question 11

What do organizers do when running a show?

Answer 11

organizers stay backstage and maintain order in the wings

• organize the next 2 groups backstage
• fetch 3rd group frm runners hallway
• make sure performers dont watch from backstage & cant be seen through curtains
• take cues from stage managaer & assistant stage manager for moving props on & off stage
• turn on projector at beggining of show
• keep remote control in booth & AMP cuboard !!!

-

Question 12

Curtains

Answer 12

Main curtain - Blue

Back curtains - black

Curtains Located: right side of stage

Must use gloves!

Question 13

Radios

Answer 13

Each runner & organizer has a radio

(total:4 radios)

Question 14

What is backstage crew responsible for after a show?

Answer 14

1. Ensure that your copy of all necessary paperwork from your clipboard has been put away in the proper hanging folder in the backstage file cabinet in the Right Wing

-Each assembly and show has a hanging folder labelled with the name of the show and the month and year that show occurred.

-All relevant paperwork for that show from all positions should be in that file.

2. Put your clipboard back in the cupboard in the booth.
3. Ensure that all posted copies of the program have been removed and filed
4. Ensure that backstage wings are clean of debris and props are put away in convenient and safe places
5. Backstage crew should also help with the breakdown of all other equipment and general maintenance and cleanliness of the auditorium