What it Recommended.

      So I open the book, the first thing Kelly clarifies in his first chapter is that no complete definition of a stage manager, or a complete list of duties a stage manager fulfills for every show. Of course there's taking down cue notes, calling cues, and making sure everyone involved in the production is content and under control, and taking charge of the show before, during, and after the night's run, checking, double checking, and triple checking each department's progress as the show draws nearer. I've summarized for myself that the stage manager is the invisible force that holds a show together and keeps everyone under control, without being too overbearing.
      So my next thought is, "Well, if there's no clear definition and just a wavering list of tasks, then what else can I do to better what I'm doing now?" The succeeding chapters mention and reiterate the importance of paperwork and keeping everything written down. I already do that in writing blocking, tech notes, cues, and such. However, I never thought that so many charts and lists would need to be made to keep an organized prompt book. So the first thing I thought of was how to incorporate that into what I already do. I thought of my drama class and the people I interact with everyday, 3 hours a day, and then some.
      And so the attendance sheet was born. I came up with the idea and discussed it with the director, who ended up stating it a mandatory protocol for the cast of our upcoming show, and our 7th period class. It is the stage manager's job to see to it that people sign in everyday, and let both myself and the director know where they are so time isn't wasted. It's worked pretty well so far, and I'll keep up with it during our shows through til the end of the year.