How do you communicate with your crew during pre-show check?

As a stage manager, you are responsible for coordinating and communicating with your crew during the pre-show check. This is a crucial time to make sure everything is ready and working for the performance. But how do you communicate effectively and efficiently with your crew, and how do you give and receive feedback? In this article, we will share some tips and best practices for pre-show check communication and feedback in the context of stage management.

1 Choose your communication tools

Depending on the size and complexity of your show, you may need different tools to communicate with your crew during the pre-show check. Some common tools are walkie-talkies, headsets, cue lights, and monitors. You should choose the tools that suit your needs and budget, and make sure they are tested and charged before each show. You should also establish clear protocols and etiquette for using these tools, such as using call signs, speaking clearly and concisely, and avoiding unnecessary chatter.

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Ella Glasgow

I make your virtual events TIGHT💪 | Audience engagement strategy that’s deeper than a poll 🙌 | Virtual presentation training for individuals & teams 🎥 |✨Live streaming like a BOSS since 2015
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These are definitely important and can’t be overlooked for live virtual events. My team and I use verbal communication on lines independent of the broadcast we’re working on. We use verbal because have found that chat boxes slow our process down and don’t allow us to execute quickly as chats may be missed while working on something else.

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2 Assign roles and responsibilities

Before the pre-show check, you should assign roles and responsibilities to your crew members, and make sure they understand their tasks and expectations. You should also have a checklist of items to verify and confirm with each department, such as lighting, sound, props, costumes, and stage. You should delegate some of the check items to your assistant stage managers or department heads, and trust them to report any issues or problems to you. You should also have a backup plan in case of emergencies or malfunctions.

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3 Communicate with respect and professionalism

During the pre-show check, you should communicate with your crew with respect and professionalism. You should use positive and constructive language, and avoid blaming or criticizing anyone for mistakes or delays. You should also acknowledge and appreciate the work and efforts of your crew, and give them praise and encouragement when appropriate. You should also be open and receptive to feedback from your crew, and listen to their suggestions or concerns. You should also be flexible and adaptable to any changes or challenges that may arise during the check.

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Katie Houff

Project Manager at Schumacher Hospitality | Creating structured processes to bring designs to life
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Offering clear information and expectations to your crew, treating them with respect, and providing positive support is the best way to ensure a great show. Put on a smile and ask how they’re feeling and if they have any questions. Remember that you’re in THEIR house so there may be moments when you need to adapt to their way of doing things.

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4 Confirm and document the check results

After the pre-show check, you should confirm and document the results of the check with your crew. You should make sure that everything is in order and ready for the show, and that any issues or problems have been resolved or addressed. You should also record any notes or comments that may be useful for future reference or improvement. You should also communicate any relevant information or updates to the director, the cast, and the front of house staff. You should also thank your crew for their cooperation and hard work.

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Catherine Nelson

Innovative and pioneering leader, curating and connecting people & ideas to bring concepts to fruition and drive continuous change with high-level results.
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When making your pre-show check list, it never hurts to walk through the list yourself to ensure nothing was left off and to familiarize yourself with the theater. Take the time to shadow your crew during pre-show before completing your checks. As a leader it is important that you’re familiar with what you’re asking of your crew and are willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in when needed. Depending on the theater, resident, union, or touring, you may or may not be able to actually do the work. Either way it helps to know how to do the work, whether it’s simply knowing where the brooms are stored or what color spike tape is being used. Being knowledgeable of not only what to do but how to do it will earn you respect with your crew.

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5 Review and improve your communication and feedback process

After each show, you should review and improve your communication and feedback process with your crew. You should evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of your communication tools, protocols, and etiquette, and identify any areas for improvement or adjustment. You should also solicit feedback from your crew on how they felt about the pre-show check, and what they liked or disliked about it. You should also share your own feedback on their performance and contribution, and recognize their achievements and challenges. You should also use this opportunity to build rapport and trust with your crew, and foster a positive and collaborative working environment.

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Bryony Moore

Leadership and Management Trainer | Executive Coach | Insights Discovery LP | Speaker and Writer | NLP, EFT and Hypnotherapist |
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Absolutely. Getting to know your team and the way information 'lands' for them is crucial. For example, some people will thrive hearing areas of development immediately beforehand so they can take ignite action to improve whereas for someone else hearing it that close could instil anxiety and deminish the quality of their work. Building that rapport and understanding means you can adapt and evolve the communication to serve everyone at their heighest potential.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you communicate with your crew during pre-show check?

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1 Choose your communication tools

2 Assign roles and responsibilities

3 Communicate with respect and professionalism

4 Confirm and document the check results

5 Review and improve your communication and feedback process

6 Here’s what else to consider

Stage Management

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