Stage Management
Show how organization, communication, leadership, and problem-solving help bring a theatrical production from rehearsal to performance.
At a Glance
Participants: 1 student
Presentation: 5 to 8 minutes
Q&A: Up to 4 minutes
Project: Realized or theoretical
Work: Individual student presentation
What You'll Prepare
Prepare materials demonstrating your work or approach as a stage manager for a published play or musical.
Your project may be based on a production you actually stage managed, or it may be a theoretical stage management project.
A realized production is encouraged when possible because stage management is highly collaborative, but it is not required for ThesFest.
During your presentation, help the adjudicators understand how you organize, communicate, lead, and solve problems throughout the production process.
Required Materials
1. Promptbook Sample
Include 5 to 10 consecutive pages from your promptbook showing blocking, technical cues, or both.
2. Your Responsibilities
Be prepared to explain the responsibilities you performed, or would perform, as the stage manager.
3. Production Paperwork
Include at least three examples of production paperwork you created.
Examples may include:
Rehearsal calendar
Rehearsal report
Performance report
Props list
Costume change plot
Scene change chart
Line notes
Sign-in sheet
Contact sheet
Blocking chart
Other organizational documents used to manage the production
Materials may be presented physically or digitally.
What to Discuss
Your presentation should help the adjudicators understand how you manage a production, not simply show them paperwork.
Be prepared to discuss:
Your responsibilities
How you organized information
How you communicated with the company and production team
How you tracked blocking and technical cues
How you prepared for rehearsals and performances
Challenges or problems you encountered and how you handled them
Systems or tools you created to keep the production organized
What you learned about leadership and collaboration
For a theoretical project, explain how you would approach these responsibilities and why you made the organizational choices shown in your materials.
What Adjudicators Look For
Adjudicators will consider:
Organization & Documentation: How effectively production information is organized and maintained.
Planning & Procedures: Your ability to anticipate needs, prioritize responsibilities, and develop useful systems.
Leadership & Management: How you support performers, directors, designers, technicians, and the production process.
Collaboration: Your understanding of how stage management connects the different areas of a theatrical production.
Communication & Problem-Solving: Your ability to communicate clearly and respond thoughtfully when challenges arise.
Review the Adjudication Rubric
ThesFest uses the official Thespy Stage Management rubric to evaluate this category.
Review the rubric before choosing what materials to include in your presentation.
[View the Official Stage Management Rubric]
Before ThesFest
My project is based on a published play or musical.
I have 5 to 10 consecutive promptbook pages.
I have at least three examples of production paperwork.
I can explain my responsibilities and process.
My presentation is between 5 and 8 minutes.
I reviewed the official rubric.
I am prepared to answer questions.
My digital materials are downloaded and ready, if applicable.
I reviewed the ThesFest General Adjudication Rules.