Lawrence Stern learned basic stage management at Eldred Hall Theatre (Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH), where he earned an MA in Theatre. While serving in the Air Force, he was the manager of the Armed Forces Radio Television Station on Crete (Iraklion Air Station) and directed the little base theatre at Offutt AFB, NB, and Iraklion Air Station. He stage managed for years in the Los Angeles/Hollywood area (Tustin Playhouse, Actors Studio West, Equity Library Theatre, Players Ring Gallery, Las Palmas, Huntington Hartford, Greek) and Sacramento (Music Circus) before turning to directing, writing and teaching.

Jill Gold has been an Equity stage manager for over 35 years. Based in Los Angeles, she has toured the country with shows including Wicked, City of Angels and Les Misérables, as well as Germany and Austria with Sisterella. Jill has over 200 shows to her credit, mostly thanks to her favorite theatres including the Pasadena Playhouse, McCoy Rigby Entertainment, Broadway at Music Circus, Reprise Theatre Company and the Geffen Playhouse. Jill teaches Stage Management at Occidental College and UCLA, and enjoys guest lecturing around the country.

1. What IS a Stage Manager? 2. Characteristics of a Great Stage Manager 3. Understanding the Script 4. Scheduling and Company Rules 5. Getting Acquainted with Your Theatre 6. Running Auditions 7. Budgeting 8. Pre-Production/First Rehearsal 9. Rehearsal Procedures 10. Working as a Team 11. Running Props 12. Supervision of Shifts 13. Running the Technical Rehearsal 14. Calling the Show 15. Working with the House Manager 16. After Opening 17. Strike, Remounts and Tours 18. Emergency Procedures 19. Working with Unions 20. Stage Manager Resources 21. Following Through 22. Getting a Job 23. High School Stage Management