{"id":2808,"date":"2017-03-23T14:50:58","date_gmt":"2017-03-23T14:50:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=2808"},"modified":"2020-04-24T18:32:22","modified_gmt":"2020-04-24T18:32:22","slug":"15-items-stage-managers-need-to-be-prepared-for-anything","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/15-items-stage-managers-need-to-be-prepared-for-anything\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Items Stage Managers Need to Be Prepared For Anything"},"content":{"rendered":"

15 Items Stage Managers Need to Be Prepared For Anything<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by Tatiana Rodriguez<\/p>\n

March 22, 2017<\/p>\n<\/font>

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Remember that time you weren\u2019t prepared for rehearsal? Of course not! Because with this list, you\u2019ll 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<\/em> make your job easier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1. Band Aids\u00a0and antiseptic.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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It\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2. Herbal tea.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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3. Lozenges.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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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\u00a0when you bring along a handful of lozenges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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4. Clips and pins.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Whether they\u2019re binder clips, paper clips, push pins, or safety pins. You\u2019ll need them at some point, so it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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5. Phone chargers.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Apple or Android, it\u2019s 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\u2019s life).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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6. Sticky tabs or page markers.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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These are a must. And the most frustrating thing about them is that you usually don\u2019t realize you need them until you\u2019re knee deep in work and have no reasonable way of organizing it. When it doubt, color code it out!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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7. A sewing kit\/wardrobe repair kit.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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When the wardrobe crew isn\u2019t 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\u2019s easy to learn! And if you still can\u2019t figure out how to use a needle and thread, odds are there\u2019s someone close by who can!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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8. A mini stapler.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Need I say more? It\u2019s a tool we all need, and once you have a mini one tucked away for safe keeping, you\u2019ll never have to go running around looking to staple something again!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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9. Batteries.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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You\u2019ll need these for mic packs, and probably for any remote handling devices as well. It\u2019s best to always keep these in stock and on rotation, especially if you\u2019re buying rechargeable ones or an inexpensive brand, which might warrant you to change them more often than not.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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10. Mini flashlights.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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11. Instant cold\/hot pack.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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For quick relief of any injuries, burns, or sore spots, you can definitely benefit from keeping one of these around. You may not be able to predict the future, but with an instant cold\/hot pack on hand, you’re one step closer to relieving a wide range of pain and physical distress.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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12. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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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\u2019s good to keep these somewhere close by. It\u2019s also important to utilize separate containers, as some individuals might be allergic to certain medications, but not to others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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13. Writing utensils.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Chances are you\u2019ll need pencils, pens, highlighters, permanent markers, and maybe even more. So it\u2019s helpful to keep a well-stocked pouch of writing utensils as part of your tool kit at all times.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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14. Dividers.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Technically, you\u2019ll want to keep these in your prompt binder. But if worse comes to worst, and you\u2019re looking for an extra divider or two, it can be extra handy to keep these stocked in your toolkit as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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15. Spike tape.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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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\u2019s a prop, an actor, a set piece, or a light cue, one piece of spike tape goes a long way<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n