The Importance of the Performance Report

In 2000 I foresaw the burgeoning role of the stage manager as director. My thesis was titled “When the director leaves . . .The Importance of Directorial Skills for the Professional Stage Manager”. So when I outline the responsibilities the stage manager had in maintaining the artistic integrity of a performance in my lecture on performance reports in Stage Management 101 not only do I highlight the responsibility the SM has to make sure the sets, props, costumes, etc. are in working order, but I also emphasize the responsibility the SM has for maintaining the director’s vision. This is accomplished by noting aspects from pacing, staging, intention, and everything in between.