Free tools for making theatre
Make the show. Skip the chaos.
Plain-English answers and small, sharp tools for directors, stage managers and actors.
Start here
First show
I'm new to this
Directing, stage managing or volunteering for the first time? Start with the timeline, then learn the words.
Working pro
I do this for a living
Skip the basics. Date a schedule in seconds, check a UK or US term, send your cast to Line Runner.
The tools
The SM kit
Rehearsal Hours
Running time and calendar in. Find out if you have enough hours, and enough full runs before tech.
Check my hoursDirector and SM Agreement
Settle 23 conventions people disagree on, from off-book dates to cue lights. Print one page.
Start the agreementConflict Calendar
Paste your cast, scenes and conflicts. Get a daily call for every rehearsal, clashes flagged.
Build my callsCue Sheet
Lights, sound and spot cues in calling order. Point cues number themselves, and it prints a calling script.
Build my cue listBlocking Script
Write blocking in shorthand, keep every draft, and print a clean calling script with your cues on the right lines.
Start blockingProps and Costumes
One list for props, costumes and set dressing. Prints prop table labels and a preset checklist you can tick on your phone.
Track my propsCalling cues
08AHow-to
Warning. Standby. Go.
Three words run every cue in the show. Learn the order, then click through a real cue light.
Words you'll hear
04ABoard operator
The crew member who runs the lighting or sound desk during the show, pressing GO when the stage manager calls it.
05ACalling the show
The stage manager giving every standby and GO, from the prompt book, during a performance.
06AThrust
A stage that juts into the audience, with seats on three sides.
07ARead-through
The first time the cast reads the whole script aloud together, usually seated around a table.
Browse all 326 terms
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