Remember that time you weren’t prepared for rehearsal? Of course not! Because with this list, you’ll have all of the essentials needed to not only keep rehearsals running smooth, but have them be safe and enjoyable in the process! From cough drops to band-aids to the ever so useful binder-clip, you’ll have everything everyone needs. Here’s how a few additions to your stage manager tool-kit can keep your cast and crew more productive and make your job easier.

1. Band Aids and antiseptic.

It’s always good to have these in a variety of shapes and sizes, for whatever injuries might occur. That way, once the injury is taken care of, the rehearsal can go on as planned!

2. Herbal tea.

This is especially important for those longer rehearsal days, when throats are feeling sore and individuals are getting stressed. If an actor or tech needs a relieving beverage, they can make one during a break (or before a performance) to relieve tension and stay hydrated.

3. Lozenges.

These droplets of joy are especially important for performance weeks, when people need quick vocal relief between shows or even between scenes. You can never go wrong when you bring along a handful of lozenges.

4. Clips and pins.

Whether they’re binder clips, paper clips, push pins, or safety pins. You’ll need them at some point, so it’s great to always keep these on hand. Clips and pins can also double as organization hacks, for those days when you need to secure wires, organize mounds of paperwork, or even secure a costume mishap.

5. Phone chargers.

Apple or Android, it’s always helpful to have one or two of these hanging around. Just in case your phone runs out of juice during a long day of tech, having a phone charger in your kit could literally save a life (or at the very least your phone’s life).

6. Sticky tabs or page markers.

These are a must. And the most frustrating thing about them is that you usually don’t realize you need them until you’re knee deep in work and have no reasonable way of organizing it. When it doubt, color code it out!

7. A sewing kit/wardrobe repair kit.

When the wardrobe crew isn’t around for those quick-fix costume mishaps, this mini repair kit will most definitely come in handy. But before you get all nervous about sewing your first stitch, keep in mind, it’s easy to learn! And if you still can’t figure out how to use a needle and thread, odds are there’s someone close by who can!

8. A mini stapler.

Need I say more? It’s a tool we all need, and once you have a mini one tucked away for safe keeping, you’ll never have to go running around looking to staple something again!

9. Batteries.

You’ll need these for mic packs, and probably for any remote handling devices as well. It’s best to always keep these in stock and on rotation, especially if you’re buying rechargeable ones or an inexpensive brand, which might warrant you to change them more often than not.

10. Mini flashlights.

Compact, durable and long lasting (with the help those batteries we just talked about). Great for tech week and post-performance clean up work, as well as any technical blind spots one might run into.

11. Instant cold/hot pack.

12. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

Rehearsals and performances can be a stressful time for all. So in case that stress leads to painful headaches or bouts of muscle tension, it’s good to keep these somewhere close by. It’s also important to utilize separate containers, as some individuals might be allergic to certain medications, but not to others.

13. Writing utensils.

Chances are you’ll need pencils, pens, highlighters, permanent markers, and maybe even more. So it’s helpful to keep a well-stocked pouch of writing utensils as part of your tool kit at all times.

14. Dividers.

Technically, you’ll want to keep these in your prompt binder. But if worse comes to worst, and you’re looking for an extra divider or two, it can be extra handy to keep these stocked in your toolkit as well.

15. Spike tape.

If ever there was a tape that was vital to your existence, it would be the one, the only — spike tape. Why? Because this tape is responsible for telling you and your crew where everything belongs. Whether it’s a prop, an actor, a set piece, or a light cue, one piece of spike tape goes a long way