PTT Program 5 Day 6 Video 1

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the first step in handling an on-stage emergency?

Immediately inform the audience of the situation.

Quickly and calmly assess the situation. (correct)

Stop the performance until the problem is resolved.

Call for outside assistance.

Which resource is NOT suggested for resolving a mess on stage?

Other actors who are offstage.

An assistant stage manager.

An actor in a maid's outfit.

A custodian from the venue. (correct)

If an actor is too ill to perform before the show starts, what should be the first course of action?

Cancel the show immediately.

Perform without the actor.

Consult with the teacher or director. (correct)

Get another actor from the audience.

What is an important consideration when an actor falls ill during a performance?

Whether the show can continue without the actor. Signup and view all the answers

In the case of a dropped knife on stage, who should be notified to handle it?

A character entering soon should take care of it. Signup and view all the answers

Why should canceling the show be considered a last option?

It will disappoint the audience who have come to see the show. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a piece of scenery fails to make an entrance?

Determine if the piece is essential to the scene. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical question to ask while handling a stage emergency?

What time does the next scene shift start? Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of stage management regarding props?

They are responsible for checking the preset props. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to maintain a consistent pattern when setting props?

To avoid missing an essential item. Signup and view all the answers

What should stage management do if a prop must turn on?

Turn it on as part of the checking process. Signup and view all the answers

What is a general rule for checking scenery?

If you operate it, you check it. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended placement for props that have a handle?

Facing the actor for easy pickup. Signup and view all the answers

How many times should you check the prop checklist before moving on?

Three times for thoroughness. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after setting props and ensuring they are in place?

Check the checklist again for confirmation. Signup and view all the answers

What should the crew do regarding checks of all the scenery they operate?

They must check all scenery they are responsible for. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for stopping the show in an emergency during a high school theater performance?

The teacher or director Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if there is a situation in the audience during a show?

Notify the house manager Signup and view all the answers

When you need to stop the show, what is the appropriate way to communicate with the actors?

Calmly ask the actors to leave the stage by name Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason to have emergency cards for cast and crew members?

To gather medical information for emergencies Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action for teachers and sponsors in relation to emergencies?

Become certified in CPR and first aid Signup and view all the answers

If you must pause the show, what should you discuss with the actors while waiting for the all-clear?

Where to pick up the action when the show resumes Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to know state laws regarding dispensing medication to students?

To comply with legal requirements and avoid liability Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible challenge when dealing with emergencies during a performance?

Unexpected situations can arise that are hard to prepare for Signup and view all the answers

What is the latest time an actor should arrive for an equity show?

30 minutes before the show Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following calls is NOT part of the established series before a show?

Final countdown call Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to repeat the 'half hour' call multiple times?

To ensure actors hear it if they are otherwise engaged Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after calling the 5 minute warning?

Check in with the house manager Signup and view all the answers

If an actor is missing just before the show, what is the recommended first step?

Call the actor to find out their location Signup and view all the answers

Which action should you avoid when announcing the half hour call?

Including the word 'places' Signup and view all the answers

After calling places, what is the next step before starting the show?

Check in with the house manager for readiness Signup and view all the answers

What could happen if you omit the 15 minute call?

Actors could be late for preparation Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you find a significant problem after a performance?

Call the department head immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best action to take if a sound operator confirms a sound cue was at the correct level?

Re-run the cue before the next show. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have a system in place for leaving notes for department heads?

To ensure consistent communication. Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the daily changes in a theatrical performance?

External factors like weather and audience size. Signup and view all the answers

If the director is absent during a performance, who is generally responsible for maintaining the actors?

The stage manager. Signup and view all the answers

What should you expect from the actors during a performance?

Some level of consistency in timing and intensity. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does weather have on a theater performance?

It can impact sound levels and audience experience. Signup and view all the answers

What might a sound cue with a volume level lower than expected indicate?

An error that should be reported immediately. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tech Rehearsals and Checklists

Develop a consistent checklist for pre-performance activities to avoid missing any tasks.
Stage management oversees cleaning the stage floor (sweeping and mopping), often performed by stage management rather than set crew.
Props are usually preset by stage management, who must verify that each prop is correctly positioned.

Prop Handling

Ensure props are ready for use: turn on anything that needs to be operational (e.g., lamps).
Consistency is key: props should be set identically for every performance (e.g., folded clothing, placement of items).
Props should be easily accessible to actors, with handles facing them for quick pickup.

Scene and Scenery Maintenance

Always check that scenery is in working order and secure before the show starts.
Perform thorough tests of doors, flies, and wagons to ensure they function correctly.
A rule of thumb: if you operate it, you check it.

Actor Call Management

Verify the call board to ensure all actors have signed in before the performance.
Give actors timely calls—commonly at half hour, 15 minutes, 5 minutes, and for places.
Maintain a consistent calling schedule to reduce confusion among actors and crew.

Communication and Coordination

Check in with house management after each call, especially under challenging conditions (e.g., bad weather).
Confirm all actors are in place before starting the show.
Ensure a clear line of communication with all department heads regarding notes after performances.

Handling Emergencies

Address emergencies calmly, evaluating the situation and determining the best course of action.
During a performance emergency (e.g., spilled items on stage), assess available resources and delegate the cleanup appropriately.
If scenery fails to enter, decide if it's crucial for the scene and explore alternative options quickly.

Illness and Performance Changes

When an actor is ill, consult the director or teacher for solutions, such as using an understudy.
Notify the audience if a replacement actor is stepping in for a role.
Cancelling a show should be a last resort, requiring the director's approval.

Audience Emergencies

In case of an emergency within the audience, communicate with the house manager for assistance.
If instructed to stop the show, address actors calmly, letting them know to leave the stage.
Coordinate with actors on where to resume the show once the issue is resolved.

Emergency Procedures

Collect emergency information for each cast and crew member, including medical details and contact information.
Familiarize yourself with school policies on medication and first aid supplies.
Encourage teachers and sponsors to be certified in CPR and first aid for effective emergency response.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on essential stage management activities and their significance during tech rehearsals. This quiz covers the responsibilities of stage management, including prop presetting and stage floor maintenance, to ensure a flawless performance.