Call sheets are one of the most important aspects of a stage manger’s work. A call sheet is a document sent
out to the cast and crew that outlines where they need to be for the following shoot day. It’s the stage management team’s responsibility to ensure the cast is in the right place at the right time. Hence the team has a real interest in getting the information out on time and in a clear format. The call sheets are normally prepared by the deputy stage manager or calling stage manager.
Things we should consider when creating call sheets are as follows:
- Why do we create them?
- Who are they for?
- What should be on them?
- When and where should they be distributed?
Why do we create them?
With call sheets mean directors, choreographers and musical directors really have to focus on planning their rehearsal time. They also mean that cast members should not be waiting around to rehearse unnecessarily.
Who are they for?
Predominately, call sheets are for the performing company, the director and the stage management team.
What should be on a call sheet?
- The show title and the producing company
- The number of the call sheet – call sheet 1, call sheet 2, etc.
- The date of the call
- The time of the each individual rehearsal using the 24-hour clock
- The location of each rehearsal
- For a musical, the type of rehearsal – production with the director, choreography with the choreographer, or vocals with the musical director
- The name and contact details of who produced the call, plus the date it was written
When and where should they be distributed ?
The daily call should be published as soon as possible after the end of the previous rehearsal. Always send as a PDF to stop the format going wrong!
