[.ca] The Stage Management Handbook (ISBN 1558702350)

Introductory book on stage management:
If you're thinking of becoming a stage manager-- "totally responsible for totally everything" as a trainee under Daniel A. Ionazzi put it--then I would strongly recommend THE STAGE MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK. This practical book is divided into four parts: pre-production, rehearsals, performance, and human behavior in organizations. At the end of each chapter within these sections are full-page reproductions of associated paperwork. For example, at the end of "Auditions" you will find a completed audition fact sheet, a completed audition selections form, and a sample audition information card. Blank forms can be found in the appendix. An examination of the paperwork alone lead me to a better appreciation of what a stage manager does. The text is highly readable and gives the reader the feeling Ionazzi is peering over one's shoulder anticipating questions and making sure the reader does not overlook important details. The layout of the book is conducive to notetaking. There is a three-inch margin on the left-hand side of each page where gray-boxed definitions of theater terms like "ghost light" and "cyclorama" pop up. The space in between the boxes can be used for notes. Additionally, THE STAGE MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK includes a bibliography organized by subject area (Acting, Costumes, Directing, Lighting, etc.) and lists addresses and phone numbers for journals, directories, and unions. Ionazzi is employed as director of productions in UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and TV.

Highly recommended:
I found this book to be full of wonderful ideas (too bad I had already learned most of them the hard way :-). This is a wonderful reference for the professional stage manager but can also be easily adapted for community or college theatre as well.

Good Starter Book:
The Stage Managment Handbook is a great book for those who are new to the stage managment scene. However, those experienced in stage managment will probably not find this book very informative. So... if you're new and looking for a place to start, I wholeheartedly reccomend this book. If you are a backstage vet, then spend your money on something more advanced.

A great reference book!:
I keep buying this book for friends who want to make Stage Management their career. It has great pointers,forms,glossaries and a complete look at what you are getting yourself into when you agree to stage manage even a community theatre production. It is cheaper than the Lawrence Stern book, which is also an EXCELLENT book.

A Must Read For Those Entering the Theatre:
I found this book to be extremely helpful when teaching churches how to adapt theatrical techniques to the church setting. It is also a unique handbook that breaks down the lingo and explains the need for a stage manager in a show. As a professional, I find it valuable to recommend to those who have never been in theatre or those learning to become a stage manager. Everything is concise and to the point without talking down to people. I highly recommend this book.