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! It’s important to note that much of this will (or should) be provided by the theatre company.

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!)