Ever wondered how a stage show actually goes from page to stage? This page gives away some of the stage managers secrets and a look at the prompt book - the copy of the script that holds all the technical information, stage layouts and actors movements - and how it is marked up for cues - when a piece of music, sound effect or lighting change should happen. Also included is a short piece of script with instructions from the Director about what he wants. Mark up your own cues using the following guides. Key for blocking: SFX - Sound Effect LX - Lighting Cue EFX - Effect (Smoke etc.) |
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 turns left |
 turns right |
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 goes to ( eg; IG x DSL) |
 sits |
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 stands |
 lies |
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 enters |
 exits |
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| Below is a grid and key of the stage as we break it up for blocking purposes. This allows the director, stage management and actors to know exactly where they should be on the stage when directed i.e; move to down stage left. | |||||||||||
| USL Up stage left | USC Up stage centre | USR Up stage right | |||||||||
| CSL Centre stage left | CS Centre stage | CSR Centre stage right | |||||||||
| DSL Down stage left | DSC Down stage centre | DSR Down stage right | |||||||||
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| AUDIENCE - AUDIENCE - AUDIENCE | |||||||||||
Stage Left can also be known as Prompt side( PS) as traditionally that is where the prompt desk is. The prompt desk is where the deputy stage manager (DSM) calls the show from. When this is the case stage right is known as opposite prompt, (OP) or bastard prompt. |
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Characters names are abbreviated to their initials: Sarah Coleman - SC Mr Appleton – MrA You can write down the moves of the actors which is called Blocking. Examples: BS x DSL MrA x USL x CS |
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