10 Essential Books Every Deputy Stage Manager Should Read

In the dynamic world of theater, being a Deputy Stage Manager (DSM) is both exhilarating and demanding. A DSM's role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of the production, from rehearsals to the final curtain call. Like any professional, continuous learning and staying updated with best practices can significantly enhance your effectiveness. This post will explore 10 Essential Books Every Deputy Stage Manager Should Read to bolster their toolkit with knowledge, strategies, and insights.

📘 1. "The Deputy Stage Manager's Handbook"

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This book is a must-have for any DSM. It delves into:

• Responsibilities: Understanding the scope and depth of a DSM's role.
• Practical Advice: From organizing call sheets to effective communication during tech rehearsals.

🔖 Key Takeaway: This handbook provides structured guidelines and checklists that are invaluable in the day-to-day operations of a DSM.

📚 2. "Backstage Forms" by Deirdre Kelly

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This guide offers:

• Forms and Templates: A collection of essential forms that simplify backstage management.
• Templates for Every Stage: From rehearsal reports to production meeting agendas.

🔖 Key Takeaway: This book acts as a treasure trove for DSMs needing to stay organized and efficient.

📙 3. "The Backstage Handbook" by Paul Carter

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Overview:

• Technical Knowledge: Comprehensive guide on stage equipment, safety protocols, and tools.
• Practical Applications: How to set up and manage the stage environment.

🔖 Key Takeaway: Understanding the technical side of productions makes a DSM more versatile and helpful to the entire team.

📗 4. "Theatre Management and Box Office" by Mark Menger

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Highlights:

• Box Office Operations: Insights into managing the front of house operations.
• Financial Management: Budgeting, ticket sales, and audience engagement strategies.

🔖 Key Takeaway: Essential for DSMs involved in or overseeing front of house activities.

📘 5. "The Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker

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Discussion:

• Purposeful Gatherings: How to facilitate productive rehearsals and meetings.
• Creating an Atmosphere: Techniques to ensure effective communication and group dynamics.

🔖 Key Takeaway: DSMs need not only technical skills but also the ability to orchestrate human interaction effectively.

📚 6. "Technical Theater for Nontechnical People" by Drew Campbell

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Essentials:

• Technical Jargon: Makes technical terms understandable for non-techies.
• Basic Rigging and Lighting: An introduction to essential stage technology.

🔖 Key Takeaway: This book demystifies the technical aspects for DSMs not coming from a technical background.

📙 7. "Directing for Stage" by Richard Barkner

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Content:

• Vision and Execution: Understanding the director's role helps DSMs in better coordinating between teams.
• Rehearsal Techniques: Gleaning directorial methods to enhance rehearsal management.

🔖 Key Takeaway: Insight into directing can make DSMs more effective at bridging communication gaps.

📗 8. "On Directing" by Harold Clurman

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Points:

• Aesthetic Understanding: A deeper look at the creative process of theater production.
• Collaborative Relationships: Enhancing communication with the director and cast.

🔖 Key Takeaway: This classic helps DSMs gain an appreciation for the artistic process, which is invaluable in supporting it.

📘 9. "Dramaturgy in American Theater" by J. Ellen Gainor

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Focus:

• Historical Context: The evolution of dramaturgy and its impact on contemporary theater.
• Dramaturgical Analysis: Tools to understand scripts and their production aspects.

🔖 Key Takeaway: Dramaturgy knowledge enriches a DSM's ability to facilitate productive rehearsals and discussions.

📚 10. "Stage Management: The Essential Handbook" by Martha Warriner

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Topics:

• The Entire Production Cycle: From pre-production to strike, this book covers it all.
• Management and Leadership: Advice on team leadership, conflict resolution, and stress management.

🔖 Key Takeaway: This comprehensive guide provides both foundational and advanced knowledge for any DSM.

In conclusion, these 10 books offer a spectrum of knowledge that a Deputy Stage Manager would find invaluable. From managing the technical aspects to understanding the nuances of directing and dramaturgy, these resources equip DSMs to perform their roles with greater competence and finesse. Whether you're a novice or seasoned professional, these books provide essential insights that enrich your work and elevate your contribution to the theatrical process.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why should a DSM read books on dramaturgy?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Understanding dramaturgy helps a DSM to engage more effectively with the script and the artistic vision of the production, facilitating deeper discussions and better coordination between departments.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can technical theater books benefit a DSM with a non-technical background?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>They provide a foundational knowledge of technical terms, operations, and safety protocols, enabling non-technical DSMs to communicate more effectively with technical staff and understand the equipment involved in productions.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What are the core responsibilities of a Deputy Stage Manager?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Core responsibilities include managing rehearsals, coordinating with other departments, cueing actors, tracking props and costumes, facilitating communication, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>