The Stage Manager’s kit contains all the tools you might need as a stage manager to run your show most efficiently. What you have in your kit will depend on how you personally stage manage, and what you like to have on hand at all times. The SM kit also will have additional emergency items for actors and crew to use when necessary, although I do recommend discussing reimbursements for the use of your kit with your theatre company. Theatre companies usually stock first aid items, basic office supplies, and most production supplies; if they don’t, they need to reimburse you for using your own supplies. My stage manager’s kit is stocked for me and my crew, and even then, some things I only use if they are not available at my theatre. You can read more about what I keep in my kit here.
As a new stage manager, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start when it comes to creating your stage manager’s kit. There are pre-stocked kits out there, although I wouldn’t recommend purchasing one because you will want a customized kit stocked with the things you specifically like to use. Your SM kit will grow and change over time as you have more experience in the theatre, but it’s good to have some basics on hand, even if you’re still a student. So, you’re ready to build your SM kit, but don’t know where to start. Here are 4 steps to start your SM kit from scratch.
1) Find a container.
You’ll need something to hold your SM kit in. If you’re starting out small, you can use a large-size cosmetics travel bag, or even an old backpack you have lying around the house. You can also look around your house for an old tool or tackle box. Some stage managers like those because they already have organizational slots built in. I always recommend using things you already have in your house to keep the costs and waste levels low. You also don’t want to spend money on something only to find out it doesn’t work for your process. Remember, your kit will evolve with you as a stage manager.
2) Look at what you already have.
Most items in an SM’s kit are things that many people already own at home. Some things to look for to put in your kit might include:
- pens
- pencils
- highlighters
- erasers
- tape
- bandages
- cotton balls/pads
- cotton swabs
- anti-bacterial ointment
- menstrual hygiene products
- screwdriver
- c-wrench
- unopened pain medicine (such as ibuprofen)
3) Find places to get free items.
There are many random places on the internet where you can get free samples of some of the items mentioned above, plus more. For example, you can take the hygiene samples from hotels if you travel, which is a double win because most of the time these items are thrown away eve if they aren’t opened. Rewards programs are another way to get free items; try joining your local office supply store’s program! You can also reach out to certain companies and ask for samples of their product; many production companies will be willing to send out free samples if you contact them directly.
4) Purchase the rest.
You’ll want to do this at a slow pace, because kit supplies can get expensive. If you work for a theatre company, I would highly recommend asking for a kit stipend to be included in your fee. The deal is that they offer you a small stipend, sometimes $50-4100 to purchase materials for your kit, and you’ll use those items while stage managing their shows. If they don’t pay you the stipend, they don’t have access to the tools in your kit. It’s almost like a kit rental fee. It’s how I was able to build my collection of spike tape. It’s important to ask this question, especially at smaller theatre companies because those companies don’t always have all the supplies needed to run a show. A good place to look for affordable supplies is in the travel section of a store. Remember, most of these items are just in case, so you don’t need to keep full-size items in your kit.