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Education

Backstage Tips

Here at MTC our stage managers have backstage running like a well-oiled machine. We went behind the scenes at Southbank Theatre in order to get some tips and tricks from the team working on our production of Ladies in Black at the Sumner.


Women's Weekly Cover, 15 July 1950


Stage managers and lighting & sound operators should have a script handy so that they can follow along with the action on-stage.


Women's Weekly Cover, 15 July 1950


You can lay down carpets backstage so that footsteps are muffled.


Women's Weekly Cover, 15 July 1950

Women's Weekly Cover, 15 July 1950


Check out how clearly labelled these props tables are! Everything has its place so essential props can be easily located before an entrance. The stage manager checks everything has been pre-set before the curtain goes up.


Women's Weekly Cover, 15 July 1950


Always have plenty of tape or scissors or repair materials handy. You never know when you’ll need it – we often need to do minor repairs to costumes during a show!


Women's Weekly Cover, 15 July 1950


Make sure you stack any large props so they are out of the way and don’t pose any danger to those walking around backstage.


Women's Weekly Cover, 15 July 1950


Hang up your costumes on a rack if you have a few of them. It will keep them clean and organised.


Women's Weekly Cover, 15 July 1950


There are some very fast costume changes in Ladies in Black! If there are some quick costume changes in your show too, throw up a curtain and create your own side stage change room.


Women's Weekly Cover, 15 July 1950


Ladies in Black has many moving set pieces. Always make sure you have clear signage for both OH&S and so that everyone knows where to go.

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Published on 2 February 2016