STAGE MANAGER

1. Provided:

   • Programme,

   • One numbers board,  containing numbers to display to the audience and adjudicator OR a computer remote, which enables progression of the performance material by clicking.

   • Names of competitors present
     (get these paper slips from the registration desk at the start of the event  if they have not already brought them to you)

     • OR   Computerised equivalent of the above, using Powerpoint slides prepared by the coordinator.   Separate instructions are available for the use of this system.
       
       
   • Trophies appropriate to junior sections (14 and under ) .  (Note:Cash prizes are held by the Scribe at the adjudication table, so that names can be written on cheques and certificates before presentation).  The programme has listed the nature of prizes for each section.  If you do not have the appropriate trophies you should check with the coordinator or section manager.

2. When a section is ready to start, announce it, and also the name of any business who is donating the prize(s) If a representative of the sponsor is present, introduce them to the audience.

3. Remind the audience of

   • the need to switch off mobile phones

   • the rules about no vidoeing of performances, no flash-photography during performances.
     
     
4. Hang the next  contestant's number on the blackboard under the section number so the audience can see what section is currently proceeding and which competitor will be next performing. (or advance the computer projection information)
   
5. Call the number (not name) of the first contestant to perform, and announce the title of the item (this is written on the competitor slip of paper).

6. After this contestant has finished, change the number on the board/screen  and  then  wait for a nod or indication from the adjudicator before announcing the next contestant.

7. If some contestants were absent, ask at the conclusion if anyone who was eligible for this section has not yet performed.  If no one else needs to perform, declare the section closed,  and wait for the adjudicator to add up his/her  marks.

8. When the adjudicator is ready, introduce him/her to the audience, and ask the sponsor (if applicable) to come and present the prizes for this section. Some sponsors like to make a little speech, so ask if they would like to do so & allow time for this if necessary.

9. Other duties: Remind contestants occasionally to remember to pick up their report sheets on the way out, and also mention that all contestants (particularly in junior events)  may receive a certificate of appreciation. General announcements (e.g. lost & founds, ears blocking the entrance etc.) may be required from time to time.

10. Keep to time If the section is running late or early, you may need to "pace" the announcements in order to keep to the time stipulated in the programme. Hurry things along if the session is running late. It causes serious inconvenience to accompanists, bus‑drivers, meal preparers & others if the session goes over time. On the other hand, if the session is running early, because of a lot of absences, you can declare a tea‑break, or refrain from starting the next section till the time specified.
    (If EVERYONE is present and ready, you MAY start a section early - but do so with caution.  In some cases parents or others wishing to hear a performance may be disadvantaged by an early start ).