DRAMA 50E STU A: INTRO TO STAGE MGMT (03040)
Land Acknowledge:
The University of California, Irvine campus is located on the ancestral and unseeded and shared territories of the Acjachemen and Tongva people.
It's important for the UCI community to acknowledge the original caretakers of the land, as the necessary first step towards honoring the native people and begin the healing process.
In normalizing the land acknowledgment, we seek to bring attention to our present and historically interrelated local existences, to encourages those in power to prioritize indigenous rights and demonstrates our personal commitment to beginning the process of working to dismantle the ongoing legacies of colonialism and white supremacy.
The Zoom link to the class is: https://uci.zoom.us/j/92642808203 Meeting ID: 926 4280 8203
Instructor: Don Hill. -
Digital Office Hours (same Zoom address as the class.)
Zoom Office Hours: Tuesdays 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm weekly or by appointment.
Email: donhill@uci.edu. Cell: 323-363-5677
Teaching Assistant - Shay Garber - Email: garbers@uci.edu Cell (949) 291-4688
Course Description
Drama 50E Introduction to Stage Management is a class designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of what stage management is all about. Students will engage in critical analysis of the play The Laramie Project by Mosie Kaufman in understanding how to build and create a stage manager's promptbook. Students will focus on activities and group discussions regarding topics of time management, getting organized, and explore who conflict resolution can be used from a stage manager's perspective.
Course Objectives
1. To create an understanding and appreciation of the practical functions of stage management.
2. To develop an understanding and awareness of the stage manager’s perspective.
3. To define the stage manager’s tools and how to use them.
4. To explore and discover the collaborative process in building effective team management skills.
5. To determine organizational systems that will best serve you in the production process.
6. To explore the stage manager’s art of diplomacy and communication.
7. To better understand theatrical unions and how they impact the working professional stage manager, cast, and crew.
8. To better understand the role of the stage manager as a problem solver and safety captain.
9. To identify career options for stage managers.
Student’s Responsibilities and Course Expectations:
1. To complete all assigned reading in advance, as indicated in this course outline, as listed on canvas.
2. To actively participate and openly listen to classroom discussions and activities.
3. To attend class on time prepared to discuss and analyze the topic of the day.
4. To work with your team partner in presenting and leading one classroom discussion from the required text. (To be assigned in class).
5. To complete all written classroom assignments (which must be posted in Canvas on the due date on the due time). All paperwork must be neat, accurate, and typed.
Character/scene breakdown due Thursday, June 24
Technical script analysis due Tuesday, June 29
Qualities of a Good Stage Manager due Thursday, July 1
Company rules due Tuesday, July 6
SM reports due Thursday, July 8
Audition Form due Thursday, July 13
Rehearsal /Technical schedule due Tuesday, July 13
Blocking notation due Thursday, July 15
6. To collaborate with your fellow students in demonstrating your organizational skills by compiling a stage management promptbook.
Class Presentation due Tuesday, July 20.
7. To demand the best of yourself. To successfully complete the final learning project on Thursday, July 22.
8. To always ask questions if you are unclear on any assignment.
Communication:
If you need help or have questions, please contact your instructor
ADDITIONAL NOTES
This is a classroom that respects preferred names and preferred gender pronouns as well as people who manage their daily life with a non-native language and culture.
Please Note:
1. If any topic addressed in the syllabus, in readings, or in-class seems offensive to you, or if you are worried that issues in our class discussion might contradict your personal beliefs, please discuss the matter with your instructor. I will respect everyone’s opinions while noting that open-mindedness is indispensable to learning.
2. Plagiarism is intellectual theft and will not be tolerated in this class. It is your responsibility to credit the source of any citation. Remember paraphrasing someone’s idea is also considered plagiarism. See https://aisc.uci.edu/students/academic-integrity/index.php
3. Your Instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary.
Grading Criteria: Formal assessment will be based on a 100 point system.
Out of 100%Scale:
A+ ≥ 98.5 > A ≥ 93.5 > A- ≥ 90
B+ ≥ 86.5 > B ≥ 83.5 > B- ≥ 80.
C+ ≥ 76.5 > C ≥ 73.5 > C- ≥ 70
D+ ≥ 66.5 > D ≥ 63.5 > D- ≥ 60 > F
Points will be awarded based on the following:
1. Qualities of a Good Stage Manager paper 6 points
2. Reading Exercises 14 point
3. Chapter Presentation 15 points
4. Class Participation 15 points
5. Stage Management Promptbook Project 35 points
(There are seven sections for the promptbook project with each
of the sections being worth 5 points)
1. Character/scene breakdown (5 points)
2. Technical script analysis (5 points)
3. Company rules (5 points)
4. Stage Manager's reports (5 points)
5. Audition form (5 points)
6 Technical rehearsal schedules (5 points)
7. Blocking notation (points)
6. Promptbook Project Presentation, layout, and organization 5 points
7. Final Learning Activity Project 10 points
Total possible 100 points
Required Text: textbook
Essentials of Stage Management by Peter Maccoy (available via Amazon.com)
The play, The Laramie Project by Moise Kaufman
The Laramie Project - The Provincetown Theater- Oct. 2018
Suggested Reading
Stage Management
by Lawrence Stern and Jill Gold, 11th Edition, Pearson Press
Stage Management Theory as Guide to Practice: Cultivating a Creative Approach
by Narda E. Alcorn and Lisa Porter
Introduction to the Art of Stage Management: A Practical Guide to Working in the Theatre and Beyond
by Michael Vitale
Stage Management Forms and Formats
(A collection of over 100 forms ready to use) by Barbara Diker
Please note the following:
1. Grades will be posted in the grade section on canvas for this class.
2. For each required assignment, you will see an “assignment guideline worksheet” with examples on how to do the assignment.
3. All required written work must be typed, double-spaced, with excellent grammar and spelling. Please make sure your name is listed on all assignments that you submit.
4. You are required to check your UCI E-mail daily.
Course Outline Schedule
(PLEASE NOTE: Schedule Subject to change.)
Week One
Tuesday – June 22 9:00 Entire Class
Topic: Enrollment and introductions
Surveys, review of course out
Review of class assignments
10:30 Sign-ups for chapter and promptbook presentations, review assignment guidelines
Assignment for June 24 – Read the Introductions and Chapter One from Essentials of Stage Management by Peter Maccoy and the play, The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman. Prepare Character/Scene Breakdown.
Thursday – June 24 9:00 Entire Class
Topic: Defining the Stage Manager’s Job
Due: Character/Scene Characteristics of a Good Stage Manager
Breakdown Presentation of Chapter On
10:30 Getting Organized (with a clear mind).
The Preproduction Process
Script analysis and script breakdown
Assignment for June 29 – Read Chapter Two from Essentials of Stage Management by Peter Maccoy. Prepare Technical and Script Analysis.
Week Two
Tuesday – June 29. 9:00 Entire Class
Topic: The Stage Manager as Manager
Due: Technical and Management theory
Script Analysis Group structure – group behavior
Management in Practice
Communications Skills
Oral Communication
Written Communication
Presentation of Chapter Two
10:30 Time Management – Stress Management
Design and Production Meetings
Knowing Your Work Environment
Assessing organizational needs
Assignment for July 1 – Read Chapter Three from Essentials of Stage Management by Peter Maccoy. Write a paper on the “Qualities of a Good Stage Manager”.
Thursday – July 1 9:00 Entire Class
Topic: Research and Preparation
Due: Paper on “Qualities Technical Analysis
of a Good Stage Manager” Presentation of Chapter Three
10:30 Exploring Effective Communication Skills
Actor packets, schedule and company rules
The Stage managers took kit.
Assignment for July 6 Read Chapter Four from Essentials of Stage Management by
Peter Maccoy. Prepare Company Rules.
Week Three
Tuesday – July. 6 9:00 Entire Class
Topic: The Preproduction Process
Due: Company Rules The Creative Team
The Audition Process
Casting procedures and union rules.
Preparing the prompt book
Presentation of Chapter Four
10:30 Actors’ Equity and the Stage Manager
Assignment for July 8. Read Chapter Five from Essentials of Stage Management by Peter
Maccoy. Stage Manager's reports.
Thursday – July 8 9:00 Entire Class
Topic: The Rehearsal Process
Due: Stage Manager Reports Working with your director and design team
The rehearsal space – rehearsal furniture
Setting up the rehearsal room –
The blocking script
Organizing the first rehearsal call
The first day of rehearsal preparations`
Presentation of Chapter Five
10:30 Creating and overseeing scene shifts
Prompt book and blocking notation
Assignment for July 13 – Read Chapter Six from Essentials of Stage Management by Peter Maccoy. Techincal rehearsal schedule.
Week Four
Tuesday – July 13 9:00 Entire Class
Topic: The Production Period
Due: Technical Schedule and
Audition Form Working and running the show in rehearsal
Rehearsal props and costumes
Stage manger's report vs stage manager's log
Sign-in sheets and moving into the theatre
Actor calls (keeping your cast on time).
Backstage set up and dressing rooms
Technical rehearsals - Dress rehearsals
Booth set up and communication
Presentation of Chapter Six
10:30 Special Classroom Exercise
Assignment for July 15 – Read Chapter Seven from Essentials of Stage Management by Peter Maccoy. Prepare Blocking Notation.
Thursday – July 15 9:00 Entire Class
Due: Blocking Notation Topic: The Performance and Beyond
Previews and Opening night
Pre-show set-up and checklist
Half hour, fight calls and opening the ho
Intermission
Cast energy and moral
Aftershow responsibilities
Presentation of Chapter Seven
10:30 Maintaining the show
Giving notes to actors – Cast Morale
Headset etiquette - Booth set up and communication
Assignment for July 20 – Read Chapter Nine from Essentials of Stage Management
by Peter Maccoy and Finalize your promptbook
Week Five
Tuesday – July 20 9:00 Entire Class
Due: Promptbook Presentation Topic: Presentation of promptbook projects
10:30 Safety in the Theatre
Weapons and firearms. Accidents Reports
11:15 Career Options for Stage Managers
Assignment for July 22 – Prepare for Final learning project
Thursday – July 22 9:00 Entire Class
Final learning project
10:30 Course review and wrap up
University of California, Irvine and Drama Department Policy Regarding Discrimination
The University of California and UC Irvine is committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which all persons who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of all forms of discrimination and harassment. Such behavior is prohibited by law and UC policy. UCI will respond promptly and effectively to reports of discrimination and harassment and will take appropriate action to prevent, to correct, and when necessary, to discipline behavior that violates University policy and these Guidelines.
The University prohibits discrimination or harassment against students, persons employed; seeking employment; or applying for or engaged in a paid or unpaid internship or training program leading to employment, or individuals accessing or participating in University programs or activities on the following Protected Bases: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender transition status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services, including protected veterans.
The University also prohibits sexual harassment and sexual violence. More information on UC and UCI nondiscrimination policies can be found on the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (OEOD) website: https://www.oeod.uci.edu/policies/index.php
The UCI Drama Department welcomes:
All races, ethnicities, and cultural identities
All immigrants and refugees
All religions, creeds, and non-religions
All sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions
All abilities and disabilities
All countries of origin
All walks of life
Everyone.
If we are not living up to our commitment, please help keep us accountable.
UC IRVINE DRAMA DEPARTMENT CODE OF CONDUCT
(As found in the UCI Drama Policies: https://drama.arts.uci.edu/policies)
The following are the core values of the University of California, Irvine:
• Respect: We understand that respect is the cornerstone of human interaction.
• Intellectual Curiosity: We are committed to learning, teaching, creativity, and research.
• Integrity: We tell the truth and strive to earn the trust of those around us.
• Commitment: We always give our best effort.
• Empathy: We act with compassion and sensitivity.
• Appreciation: We appreciate different opinions and points of view. 2
The Drama Department endorses these values wholeheartedly.
The Drama Department also gives special focus to Civility as a core value of our department. We find that the key elements of civility are both complementary and congruent with the core values of the university:
• Community: We place the greater good of our community over individual interests.
• Openness: We say what we mean, mindful of tone, and strive for mutual understanding.
• Responsibility: We fulfill our commitments and are accountable for our actions.
• Empathy: We act with compassion and sensitivity.
It is expected that members of the Drama Department will be guided by these university and departmental values as we conduct our work together.
Please immediately report any issues to a trusted faculty member, fellow student, an ally, or the Chair of the Department in order to get the issue addressed quickly at the lowest level possible or receive consultation on how best to proceed.
To note: If the concern or issue is about discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, or sexual violence (including relationship violence, stalking, sexual assault, or other sexual misconduct), the issue needs to be reported immediately and directly to the OEOD office. Please also note that University employees, faculty, and staff (besides CARE Advocates, Ombuds, and the Counseling Center) are Responsible Employees and obligated to report discrimination, sexual harassment or violence, and retaliation to OEOD so that OEOD can provide all individuals with their rights, options for resolution (including informal options or administrative investigation), and campus and community resources. When reports are made to OEOD, OEOD reaches out over email to provide this information. Regardless of whether complaints are filed, OEOD provides supportive measures including academic, housing, and workplace accommodations to students, staff, and faculty. Meeting with OEOD does not immediately initiate a formal process, but rather provides individuals the opportunity to learn about their rights, options, and resources.
For other issues, the following is the pathway to resolution:
1. If a student has a concern with a Professor, Teaching Assistant, or fellow student in a classroom setting, the student first needs to take the issue to the Instructor.
2. If the student does not feel comfortable discussing the issue with those individuals (or the issue was not resolved), then the student needs to talk to the Department Area Head or Mentor.
3. If the student does not feel comfortable discussing the issues with the Area Head (or the issue was not resolved), then the student needs to talk to the Chair of the Department – Season Producer or any of the Drama Department Associate Chairs:
Joel Veenstra, Associate Chair of Production
Phil Thompson, Associate Chair of Digital Media
Marcy Froehlich, Associate Chair of Donor Relations
Eli Simon, Associate Chair for Undergraduate Advisement 3
4. If the student does not feel comfortable discussing the issues with the Department Chair or Associate Chairs (or the issue was not resolved), the student needs to talk to the Dean or an Associate Dean.
5. If the student does not feel comfortable discussing the issues with the Dean or an Associate Dean (or the issue was not resolved), the student needs to talk to UCI’s Office of the Ombudsman.
6. If a student has a concern with a Professor, Guest Director, Guest Artist, or fellow student in a mainstage production setting, the student first needs to take the issue to the Director, Instructor, Stage Manager, or Deputy. If the issues is not resolved the student needs to talk to the Chair of the Department – Season Producer or any of the Drama Department Associate Chairs.
If a student needs general support, communicate those needs to this similar framework of support outlined above and utilize the resources UCI has to offer listed below.
Student Resources and Information
Student Organizations to find community:
UCI Drama Cultural Clubs
Black Door Theatre Company
https://www.facebook.com/groups/491484335022016
Brick Theatre Company
https://www.facebook.com/BrickTheatreCo
Brown Bag Theatre Company
https://www.facebook.com/Brown-Bag-Theatre-Company-653563771336608
Theatre Woks
https://www.facebook.com/UCITheatreWoks
UCI Drama Performance Clubs
Improv Revolution
https://www.facebook.com/irevatuci
Live Nude People* (*with Clothes On) https://www.facebook.com/LNPimprov
30 Plays in 60 Minutes
https://www.facebook.com/SchrodingersCast
The Claire Trevor School of the Arts Student Affairs Office
(949) 824-6646 – artscounselor@uci.edu - https://www.arts.uci.edu/student-affairs-office
The Claire Trevor School of the Arts Student Affairs Office provides Arts students service in academic counseling, orientation, study plans, transfer course evaluations, schedule changes and degree checks. 4
Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (OEOD)
(949) 824-5594 – oeod@uci.edu - https://www.oeod.uci.edu
Discrimination/Sexual Harassment Hotline (949) 824-7037
The UCI Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (OEOD) is responsible for the University's compliance with federal and state laws and University policies and procedures regarding discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and sex offenses. OEOD works to promote and integrate the principles of equal opportunity, affirmative action, nondiscrimination, and inclusive excellence at UCI. This is not a 911 service.
Office of Inclusive Excellence
(949) 824-1540 - inclusion@uci.edu - https://inclusion.uci.edu
The Office of Inclusive Excellence drives UCI’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This commitment is fundamental to advancing the campus’s mission as a public research university. To this end, the office provides campus accountability, mounts training and education, conducts responsive research, and builds and sustains partnerships with universities and colleges that share this commitment.
Diverse Educational Community and Doctoral Experience (DECADE)
https://inclusion.uci.edu/decade/ -
Housed in the Office of Inclusive Excellence is the DECADE program. The 44 DECADE faculty mentors campus-wide are committed to fostering an inclusive environment within each of UCI’s graduate programs and promoting diversity within the graduate student population campuswide. They serve as a resource to graduate students and faculty alike, collaborating with Equity Advisors and UCI’s Graduate Division to accomplish their program’s goals.
Office of the Ombudsman (949) 824-7256 - 205 MSTB Irvine, CA 92697-4325 - https://ombuds.uci.edu
The Office of the Ombudsman provides a safe and comfortable environment to discuss complaints, concerns or problems confidentially. The ombudsman acts as an independent, impartial resource. If a matter cannot be resolved through our office, a referral will be made. When appropriate, the office can make recommendations regarding policy review and change. The Office of the Ombudsman serves all students, faculty, staff and administrators of the UCI community – both on the main campus and at the medical center. The Office handles only UCI-related issues, and therefore we are unable to assist anyone with a non-UCI-related concern.
UCI Library Research Librarian for Performing Arts – Scott Stone
(949) 824-8351 - stonesm@uci.edu - https://guides.lib.uci.edu/drama
Scott Stone is our own Research Librarian for the Performing Arts. He is an excellent starting point for any research you may have in drama. 5
The Center for Excellence in Writing and Communication (or “Writing Center” for short)
(949) 824-8949 - https://www.writingcenter.uci.edu
The Writing Center promotes effective writing and communication as lifelong skills. Not only are these skills necessary for personal and professional success, they are also powerful ways in which people think through issues, consider multiple points of view and become more consciously aware of the world around them.
Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Student Affairs
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Course Summary:
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