Guide to Creating a Stage Manager’s Kit

Being a stage manager is no easy task, as it comes with a plethora of responsibilities.  In pre-production, the stage manager (SM) serves as director’s assistant and the technical crew liaison, and then during the production the SM calls the show in addition to anything else necessary to keep the show running smoothly.  Such a daunting task requires having a stage manager’s kit equipped to handle anything short of a natural disaster… and most SM’s will even have a plan for those as well!  So, if you find yourself fulfilling the role of SM, here’s a guide to create your own stage manger’s kit.

Choosing a Container

You will need to choose a container that suits you. The two most popular choices are a tool box or a backpack. Start with what you have on hand, and as time and money allow, choose a container more customized to what you need.  I prefer something spacious with lots of compartments. for organizing all of my supplies.

Backpack

I recommend a backpack for your personal kit of their portability and ease of use on the run.  If you want a serious workhorse of a backpack, you have to check out the CLC Custom Leathercraft’s  ECPL38 E-Charge Lighted USB Charging Tool Backpack with 36 Pockets.

• The 31 Multi-use pockets inside, 5 pockets outside, and 4 additional loops and measuring tape clip are perfect for organizing the all of your gear.
• The back zippered charging compartment contains 4 internal charging wall pockets for tablets, smartphones and small laptops, built-in USB ports, power bank pocket and laptop sleeve. An integrated 15000 mAh power bank and built-in USB system lets you can charge 2 devices simultaneously, great for charging your phone and tablet or notebook. There’s ample space to carry your prompt book alongside your electronics.
• An integrated 2-level, 200 lumen LED light system with adjustable steel neck lets you light your bag contents or work area, with wide area or close-up work illumination.
• Padded web carrying handles and adjustable shoulder straps, and large pads on back make carrying more comfortable and convenient.
• The backpack measures approximately 15″L x 10.5″D x 18.25″H and weights 7.3 lb.
  

  

Tool or Tackle Box

Tackle boxes have lots of great compartments for organizing all of your supplies.  One of the best that I’ve found is the Plano 1374 4-By Rack System 3700.  What I like best about it is how big it is in comparison to others I’ve seen.

• It measures 16.5″ x 12″ x 16″ and weights 6 lb.
• Clear storage compartments on top, a bulk storage compartment, and  4 partitioned organizer trays will help keep all of your gear accessible.

If you like functionality of the tackle box, but would prefer a backpack, the Wild River NOMAD will give you the best of both worlds.

• It features an integrated LED light system that allows you to see into the bag or your work area.
• It has a large upper storage area with a removable divider which can convert this bag to a full-size backpack for holding larger items if desired.
• The lower front compartment comes equipped with four 3500-series trays for organizing your supplies.
• The top features a permanently mounted molded sunglasses holder to keep your glasses safe.
• The removable plier holder goes from bag to belt so your pliers are easy to find.
• The removable self-retracting steel cable lanyard will keep small tools handy.
• The top front pocket cover folds down to provide a handy work surface.
• Large adjustable padded shoulder straps with added sternum strap provide comfort and a good fit.
• Base pads to reduce wear and help keep bag clean and dry.
• The bag measures 20″ x 13″ x 8″ and weights 7.6 lb.

Tool Boxes and Tool Chest

Rolling tool chests are great if you have a ton of supplies or larger tools that you need onsite.  They’re also great if you have a secure place to park your kit. Plus they can do double duty as your table or even a seat if your work space is ill-equipped.  If you choose a tool chest, a modular system will free you from having to take the whole unit in unless you choose to do so.

One of the coolest, most versatile tool chests that I’ve seen is the Dewalt Toughsystem Trolley & 3 Ds Tool Boxes.

• This 4 in 1 kit  is sturdy, and the tool boxes detach leaving you with a dolly for moving large equipment, thus saving your back.
• Each tool chest bracket can carry up to 132lb, and the foldable toe plate can carry up to 330lb.
• When carried by hand, the tool boxes can also be fastened together, allowing them to be carried as a stack.
• Did I mention that they’re lockable!

Another amazing rolling tool chest is the Milwaukee Packout Rolling Modular Tool Box.  The downsides to this unit is that you can’t latch the individual modules together to carry them and the lower module is not removable, so you can’t use it as a dolly.

• This stackable storage system has a 250 Lb capacity with metal reinforced corners and locking points.
• It is fully compatible with all Milwaukee PACKOUT modular storage products, so you can add an additional module on top of the existing three.
• It comes with an interior organizer tray.
• Each module is lockable.
• It is extremely lightweight and easy to move.

Tactical Fanny Pack

The Huntvp Military Hip Fanny Pack is a good size for holding your phone, walkie talkie, water bottle, a small tablet, or whatever small necessities you need close at hand.

• It features an adjustable waist strap (fits waist lengths 25.5”-51″), and you can buy an extender if you needed.
• It has an external MOLLE expansion system designed to be used in combination with other equipment.
• An elastic cord is affixed to the top for storing a flashlight.

Pouches

Pouches are great for organizing small items that tend to get lost in the bottom of your bag. This set of 5 Heavy Duty, Canvas Utility Organization Pouchs with Zipper by Angry Beaver comes in black, yellow, red, blue and orange to organize your stuff by color so that you can easily grab the bag that you need. The sturdy carabiner lets you secure them to your belt loop, backpack or easel. The rugged, heavy duty construction extends to the zippers, which glide freely without binding.  Each pouch measures 12” x 7”.

What Goes in the Stage Manager’s Kit?

The goal is fitting as many useful items in your kit as you can while taking up as little room as possible.  Space will be at a premium, so choose small, trial size items where possible.  You could even find lots of free samples which will save you tons of money!

• First Aid: If you are working in a public school, you may be limited as to what you’re allowed to distribute to students as far as pain medication is concerned, but I prefer the following in my first aid kit:
  • Aleve (or other pain reliever of choice) for headaches, aches and pains, Tweezers: great for splinter removal or for when you need to get hold of something small, instant Cold & Heat packs, Wash, Eye Drops, Cough Drops, Band-Aids and Neosporin + Pain Relief for minor cuts and scrapes, Tums, Imodium A-D, ACE Bandage 
• Office supplies:  Highlighters (for hilighting parts or color coding mic cues), Pencils (for making notes in scripts), Pens (for filling out paperwork or signing contracts), Permanent Marker (for labeling), Eraser (for erasing mistakes big and small), pencil sharpener, Thumb Tacks, File Folders, Hole Punch, Binder Clips, Paper Clips, Rubber Bands, Sticky Notes, Legal Pads, Envelopes, Dictionary, Ruler, Compass and Protractor (for , Glue Stick, Stapler, Staples, Staple Remover
• Personal Care: Small Sewing Kit, Tissue, Hair Ties & Bobby Pins, Nail Nippers, Nail File, Scissors, Safety Pins, Breath Mints, Tampons, Pads, spare change, Charger & Cords

Tools: Multitool (with knife, pliers, & wire cutter) , 6-in-1 Screw Driver, small Hammer, Crescent Wrench, Work Gloves, Utility Knife, Hack Saw, Pocket Level, assortment of Screw & Washers, Nails, Eye Bolts, small drill,, 50″ Measuring Tape, Chalk Line, spare Batteries, Flashlight, Tape (Electrical, Spike, Gaffer, Glow, Masking, Duct), Lighter, Extension Cord, T-Square, 550 Paracord, Clip On Light with Dimmer, and the kitchen sink (just kidding!)

Security

Your kit is not to serve as the sole supplier of all things needed by the cast and crew. For this reason, you may want to consider purchasing a Lock to put on your kit to keep curious techs and actors from scavenging from your kit if you have to leave it unattended while fixing a problem.  It’s also a good way to secure your personal valuables like your wallet.

In Conclusion

A well stocked stage manager’s kit will help you run shows as smoothly as possible.  This means keeping on hand the supplies necessary for running the show, handling emergencies, minor illnesses and boo-boos, and providing items to others.   Comment below any cool items that you keep in your stage manager kit that wasn’t mentioned.

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