So I spent a good bit of time trying to figure out what I should write my first real blog post about since I don't really consider the post that I did yesterday to be a "real" blog post. It introduced you to the blog and to me but it didn't a great job - in my opinion - of explaining what I really want to explain. So I laid here thinking and I went out and let my head clear and I figured that I should start with the essentials of my job and work from there. And the essential to end all essentials is my stage managers bag.
This bag goes by different names depending on who you are asking. Some call it a box because they use a tackle box to keep track of their things. Some call it a bag because it's a bag. Or a briefcase. Or a suitcase. It really all depends on the stage manager. Personally I am trying to go ahead and get a tool box to keep all my stuff organized but that's in the future. For now I use a backpack that declares "Housekeeping! We make this place look great!" which was given to me by my mother when she didn't need it anymore.
This bag, if used correctly, will bring shock and awe to any performer that you are working with. The simple reason for this is because when you're a stage manager you are supposed to be able to make anything appear out of thin air when the performer says that they think they might need it. Not when they do need it because then it's usually too late. But when they think they need it.
That isn't a simple task but if you carry around a simple list of everyday things that people don't realize they're going to need then you should be okay. Below I will list some things that I keep in my bag and things that I am looking to get for the bag.
- Band-Aids: Someone is going to get hurt, it is inevitable. So stay ahead of the curve and get some band-aids so that they don't bleed everywhere. Mine are Minion band-aids from the Dollar Store. Nothing fancy.
- Antibiotic ointment: They. Are. Going. To. Get. Hurt. You don't want them getting infected too.
- First-Aid Kit: Yes yes, the band-aids and ointment are wonderful but you really should have a full fledged first aid kit with you at all times just in case. Might also be wise to take a first-aid course and have a CPR license but that's just my preference.
- Headache Relief: I have like six different kinds of pills that are available. Migraine relief, tension headache relief, normal strength, ibuprofen, etc... Something for everyone.
- Portable Ice Packs: Someone will be sore at some point or they'll hit something or they'll get hurt and need to dull the pain while the headache relief starts to work. So an ice pack that you just have to break and press on the affected area is a life saver.
- Tampons and Pads: Feminine products are a must have because I cannot even begin to tell you the amount of times a performer has come up to me with scared eyes and needed one. Always best to be prepared.
- Menstrual Relief Tablets: Cramps + Performing = No. So have some Midol or Midol-esque pills on hand to help them out.
- Granola Bars: Preferably without peanuts, just in case of allergies. But someone might need a snack to keep going.
- Water: Might just be safe to purchase a case of water and keep in in your car if you drive. If you do NOT drive and carrying around a case of water isn't possible then know where all the water fountains are located because they're going to need them.
- Vitamin C: Whether it's in pill form or in some kind of drink or in those emergen-C powders you can find at the store, you'll need Vitamin C. It's a cure all in the theater world so best to always have some on hand.
- Hair Ties: Preferably the kind that are strong enough to hold back even the thickest hair. These things get lost ALL the time so don't get emotionally attached.
- Hand Sanitizer and/or Baby Wipes: Just something to keep their hands clean while they're working. No need to spread all kinds of germs all over the place. I typically leave a bottle of hand sanitizer right on the edge of the stage during rehearsals so they can get it when they want it.
- Breath Mints: Not gum. Gum is annoying and sticky and gets everywhere. But breath mints will come in handy when someone tells you that they have a kissing scene coming up and their partner doesn't seem to have brushed their teeth. When this happens, be sure to offer some to EVERYONE, not just the person that needs it.
- Wrench/Hammer/Bolts/Screws/Tool Belt/Etc...: Anything that you might need to fix something on the set or to give to someone else who forgot theirs. A wrench is a must have. More often than not a light tech will forget their and you'll have to swoop in and save the day.
- Sewing Kit: Costumes break. Make sure you know how to fix them.
- Pens and Pencils: Pencils more than pens but make sure you have both just in case. And don't expect them back. That will just end in heartbreak.
- Paper: Those performers have to be able to write down their notes and they probably will forget to bring their own paper. So have their back and slip them a sheet.
- A Phone Charger: Less so for the actors and more so for you. Your phone is now your life because you are the person everyone will call or text or email when something comes up. So make sure you have a good charger and your volume up. The days of being on silent mode are over.
There are plenty more things that I could list but these are the main essentials. There are lists that you can find online and they're helpful but really you'll need to figure out your cast of performers and find out their needs and adjust accordingly. If you're working with all men in a cast and crew then you might not need feminine products. I'm not saying you won't but it's little things like that that make it a guessing game when packing your bag. Just remember to continue to keep things in stock for the future. Nothing is worse than running out in the middle of a run.
And that's all that I have for you today. Be sure to check back tomorrow for a fun new blog post. And follow me on social media for updates and ramblings!
Until next time, my lovely techies.
Emily Aleta xx
Emily Aleta xx
Twitter: Tiny Theater Tech
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