Stage Manager's Kit

A stage manager brings many items to rehearsals and performances - items to enhance safety, comfort, and productivity.

Do you need to have all of these things? Definitely not! This list is a comprehensive master list based on my kit, other people’s kits, and odd items I’ve found myself needing while stage managing! And note, a LOT of this items can be found at local dollar stores!

Health & Safety

Preventative

• Hand Sanitizer

• Wet Wipes

• Latex Gloves

• Face Masks

Cold/Flu

• Cough Drops

• Tea (try Throat Coat!)

• Airborne or Emergen-C

• Tissues

• Digital Thermometer

Minor Injuries

• Tweezers

• Instant Ice Pack

• Bandages

• Anti-Bacterial Cream

• Anti-Itch Cream

• Gauze

• Cloth Tape

• Antiseptic & Cotton Balls OR Antiseptic Wipes

Over the Counter Medication

NOTE: It is important to check with your venue regarding their OTC medication policies - some venues do not allow SMs to give out OTC medications! Whenever you give someone an OTC medication, make SURE to remind them to read the instructions.

• Acetaminophen

• Ibuprofen

• Antacid

• Allergy Medication

Personal Care

Why do we have personal care supplies? Simply put: people forget them/lose them/didn’t think to bring them!
If YOU have these items, you’re able to instantly solve problems as they arise!

Dental Care

• Toothbrush (OR Wisp disposable toothbrushes)

• Toothpaste

• Mouth Wash

• Dental Floss

• Mints and/or Gum (particularly useful for productions with intimate scenes)

Eye Care

• Contact Solution

• Contact Lens Case

• Eye Drops

Hair Care

• Bobby Pins

• Hair Bands

• Hair Spray

• Dry Shampoo

• Travel Shampoo & Conditioner (I tend to grab extras when I stay in a hotel!)

Hand & Nail Care

• Hand Lotion

• Fingernail Clippers

• Emery Boards

• Cosmetic Scissors

Body Care

• Bar Soap (also - I tend to grab extras when I stay in a hotel!)

• Deodorant

• Feminine Products

• Q-tips

Office Supplies

PRO TIP: Only give out supplies that you wouldn’t mind losing!

Supplies for Everyone

• Pencils (mechanical and traditional)

• Pencil Lead

• Pencil Sharpener

• Pens

• Highlighters

• Erasers

• White Out

• Three-Hole Punch

• Single Hole Punch

• Page Reinforcement Circles

• Stapler

• Scissors

• Paper Clips

• Binder Clips

• Binder Rings

• Rubber Bands

Production Book Supplies

• Binder (large, to hold for production book!)

• Dividers

• 3-Ring Pencil Pouch

• Sheet Protectors

• Page Flags (PRO TIP: Also get pre-numbered page flags to easily mark scenes)

Note-Taking Supplies

• Notebooks / Notepads

• Post-It Notes

Supplies for Labeling / Marking

• Permanent Markers (also - fine tip markers are great for writing on spike & silver is great for writing on dark/gaff tape!)

• Dry Erase Markers (remember - you can write on sheet protectors & laminated paper w/ these!

• Label Maker

Organizational Supplies

• Supply Storage Bins / Bags

• Ziploc Bags (Sandwich Bags and Gallon Bags)

Tools & Tech

General

• Flashlight (some come with multiple colors!)

• Multi-Tool

• Hex Key (AKA Allen wrench)

• TAPE!

  • Gaff Tape (BEST tape!!)

  • Spike Tape (for marking furniture placement)

  • Glow Tape (for helping w/ visibility in the dark)

  • Painter's Tape (for taping w/o damaging surfaces)

  • Scotch Tape

Scenic

• Tape Measure (the longer, the more useful)

• Scale Ruler (for reading ground plans)

Costumes

• Safety Pins (for costume emergencies!)

• Mini Sewing Kit (for costume emergencies!)

• Stain Remover Wipes (Shout Wipes are my favorite!!)

• Downy Wrinkle Remover

PRO TIP: You can spray vodka mixed w/ water on costumes to remove odors!

Lighting

• Adjustable Wrench

Electronics

PRO TIP - LABEL EVERYTHING with your name!

• USB drives

• Charging Cords (iOS & Android)

• Charging Bricks

• Portable Charger

• HDMI Cable

• Auxiliary Audio Cable

• 1/4” to 1/8” Audio Adapter

• Batteries (AA & AAA)

• Computer / Tablet (as needed)

• Portable Speakers (as needed)

• Digital / Video Camera (as needed)

Miscellaneous

• Plastic Cutlery

• Febreze (I’ve found this to be VERY useful!)