4th Edition

The Stage Manager's Toolkit Templates and Communication Techniques to Guide Your Theatre Production from First Meeting to Final Performance

By Laurie Kincman Copyright 2025
    392 Pages 172 Color Illustrations
    by Focal Press

    392 Pages 172 Color Illustrations
    by Focal Press

    The Stage Manager’s Toolkit, Fourth Edition, provides a comprehensive account of the role of the stage manager for live theatre with a focus on both written and verbal communication best practices.

    The book outlines the duties of the stage manager and assistant stage manager throughout a production, discussing not only what to do but why.  It also identifies communication objectives for each phase of production, paperwork to be created, and the necessary questions to be answered to ensure success.  This fourth edition includes:

    • a new chapter devoted to documenting movement which includes both intimacy choreography and stage combat; 
    • updated and expanded information on using technology and social media; 
    • expanded information on the digital prompt book and other digital and web-based tools; 
    • updated paperwork examples; 
    • more information on Equity practices for the student and early career stage managers. 

    Written for the stage management student and early career stage manager, this book is a perfect addition to any university Stage Management course.

    A companion website hosts customizable paperwork templates, instructional videos, links to additional information, teacher tools for individual chapters, and a bonus section on teaching stage management. To access these resources, visit www.routledge.com/cw/kincman.

    1. Avenues of Communication  2. Principles of Document Design  3. Pre-production  4. The Prompt Book  5. Rehearsals  6. Documenting Movement  7. Technical Rehearsals  8. Performances  9. Next Steps

    Biography

    Laurie Kincman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Wisconsin—La Crosse, heading the undergraduate emphases in stage management and arts administration. She also serves as the department’s production manager. Her professional credits as a stage manager and production manager include work with the Old Globe Theatre, Malashock Dance & Company, Shakespeare Festival/LA, Opera Pacific, the California Ballet Company, American Stage Festival, and for choreographers Jessica Iwanson and Donald McKayle.  Laurie is a member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, the Production Managers Forum, the Stage Managers Association, the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of America, and Actors’ Equity Association.