What's in a Stage Manager's Prompt Book (aka SM's Bible)

It's been requested, so I go through what I have in one of my prompt books for a show! Check out why it's good to keep these for future jobs and why it's such an important tool for a show!

[June]

As a director of more than thirty-years I have to congratulate you on the SM video videos you'de done. And as a shakespeare and doctor who fan, I loved the text additions 'timey wimey' made me laugh out loud. Great work Nicholas.

[rockitout]

I'm still in high school, and throughout all this time deciding my dream was to be an actor, my teacher asked me to SM a show. I of course said yes thinking it would give me more insight and I've always wanted to try it. I'm also a light tech in my drama department for live events, and have been trained in sound/light in theatre.
So long story short, now I've changed my career choice... Stage Managing was the best experience!
And I've gotten a little carried away, as I just wanted to say you've given me so many more ideas on the prompt book organization.
SO THANKS, and you just got a new subscriber. Great videos! :)

[BreakOfDae]

This video is very informative. Also, I love the sassy attitude of your on-screen text. It's so fun =D

[laurenwaycaster]

This is awesome. I'm currently SM for my first college show, and this is definitely helpful! You rule

[doubtfuleyes]

Just starting a tech theatre internship in VA for this summer, this video has been a godsend! Thank you for sharing!

[pamperedmark]

can't wait to see the video on the scripts...i'm just getting back in to SM after 10 years away, trying to get prepared to take on this awesome challenge! :)

[lizraymond]

This video is super informative. I was checking out your website and saw that you graduated from Ramapo. I graduated from there last year with a theatre degree with a stage management concentration. I'm also happy to see that there are theatre tech youtube channels out there.

[baileysalicos]

I love these videos!! I'm going into Stage Managing next year at school and this helped a lot! Thank you

[NickAchBackstage]

Hey all! This video got up late, the captions are coming but don't expect them until tomorrow. Sorry! But they'll get there!

[Intheglowesthetics]

This was awesome! I'm SM for my high school play. I'm a sophomore and I'm kinda scared thank you for this video very very helpful!!

[hollyanderson]

I absolutely love these videos they are incredibly helpful! And I can't wait for you to go over blocking and everything :)

[CaptainFrightNite]

Thank you very much for making this one, Nick. I'll be doing some back stage work soon for a musical so I'll certainly need this.  :)

[korrinanolan]

You can also do this of shows you want to see and already have seen/ plays and musical theather

[stephaniejean]

I only SM once, and lately I’ve been missing it terribly.

[sunshadowlightmoon]

Currently writing a prompt Book for a course... This helps remind me about things😁

[CallmeKraftDinner]

Needed this today! Diving into stage management and lordy what was I thinking hahahaha

[TravelStammer]

wondered if you could give us a birds eye view of the prompt book please. I'm just starting out SM.

[TheGeoDaddy]

While I understand the - sections - but I think it’s better to keep actors, costumes, props, set pieces, sound and music - on the opposite page (in a two page layout) WITH the script ie dialogue… that way you have everything sync’d with the words to facilitate queuing…

As for blocking, I like using an Insta360 to record blocking as the rehearsals progress and as blocking changes… with the understanding that the video will only be used for the production stage “book” and will not appear in any other venue (unless there full agreement with the actors and any compensation… and IF EQUITY doesn’t like that… I get non-Equity talent for the production!)

[TravelStammer]

Is the calendar changed day to day or overview of the season

[ronniejay]

I got distracted by how cute you are! Great info! Thank you!