My first task when it comes to prepping for a new show is to restock my stage manager’s kit! My kit helps me do my job efficiently in the rehearsal room as well as backstage for performances. I have been building this kit for over 6 years now, and I’m still making adjustments to it. It started out in one of those tiny tackle boxes with a handful of paperclips, post-it tabs, and mechanical pencils. It’s grown through two toolboxes and is about to be re-homed in a large bag like this one (affiliate). The list below includes everything I currently carry in my kit. You can scroll to the bottom to find a list of my favorite items with links to buy them for your own kit! Don’t forget to download your FREE printable SM Kit Checklist.
I want to make it clear that my toolkit is first and foremost for me. The items I keep in my toolkit are things I use while doing my job and that I like to have on hand just in case. I do not stock my toolkit with the intention of providing materials for actors and crew. If a company needs to use the materials I keep in my toolkit, I will ask for a stipend to cover the costs of replacing those materials. That doesn’t mean my kit is off limits to everyone else on the production; I will share what I have with my collaborators, but there is a line between being generous and others relying on your kit. The bottom line is that theatre companies should be providing things like a first aid kit, gaff & spike tape, and writing utensils used by actors; if they don’t, they should compensate you for using your own materials. Don’t forget, too, that any out-of-pocket expenses associated with your kit are tax-deductible! Keep those receipts.
three-hole punch and single-hole punch
hole reinforcements
push-pins
rubber bands
paper clips
erasers
binder clips
pencils & pens
pencil sharpener
label maker
permanent markers (in assorted colors)
white out
mini stapler and staples
staple remover
post-it notes
post-it tabs
scale rule
pocket scale rule
scissors
loose binder rings – for keeping run sheets together.
pocket knife
multi-tool
UV flashlight
regular flashlight
screwdriver (I use the interchangeable kind)
tape measures — I have a 25-foot and a 35-foot. Having two is ideal for tape-out.
lip balm (for me, of course)
hand sanitzier
antibacterial wipes
tissues
hair ties
toothbrush and toothpaste
mouthwash
floss
tweezers
nail clippers
nail file
cotton balls
cotton swabs
tampons*
pads*
*you should have these even if you personally don’t menstruate!
phone (I currently have an iPhone 8 Plus)
laptop (I use a MacBook Pro*)
smart watch – I use my watch for setting timers and timing scenes during rehearsal.
extra chargers – I also have an android charger that I acquired by chance. I lend it out to people occasionally.
assorted batteries
bandages – I have ones with Shakespearean insults on them 🙂
gauze pads
pain meds – I carry ibuprofen and acetaminophen. That’s all you really need.
triple anti-biotic ointment
alcohol wipes
Scotch tape
double-sided tape
black gaffers tape
white gaffers tape
spike tape – you can start with 3-5 colors.
masking tape
electrical tape
glow tape
pre-cut glow strips – very helpful during tech! I keep them in an old mint tin.
clear vinyl tape – for preserving spike marks onstage.
assorted needles
assorted threads
safety pins – in various sizes.
fabric tape
snips
bobby pins
utility belt with zip pouch – as part of my backstage uniform. I keep my multi-tool, flashlight, Sharpie, and pencil in the pouch.
zip ties – you just never know
clothes pins
sticky tack
earplugs – the squishy kind you can get at the drug store.
mini hot glue gun
command strips
modge podge (or regular glue)
rubber cement
Here are some of my favorite tools in my kit!
these scissors (affiliate) – I love how bright and fun they are! They are super sharp and comfortable to use, which is important because I am left handed. Plus, they come in so many different colors, you’re bound to find one you like! You can also purchase these scissors from Target (affiliate).
my UV flashlight (affiliate) – I love using this backstage in shows where light bleed is easily seen from the audience. A normal flashlight would be too bright, but this UV light allows you to see what you need without interfering with the performance. Plus, it charges glow tape super fast!
this screwdriver (affiliate) – this isn’t the exact one I have because mine is so old, but its the same style. I like it because you can have the advantage of a whole set of screwdrivers in one tool. It just makes more sense for a stage manager’s kit.
these highlighting strips (affiliate)- I haven’t been able to use these for a show yet, but I love the idea of using them to put cues in my script. They are completely transparent, so I can use them to highlight the cue word and have the cue number written on the tab!
my mini stapler (affiliate)- it gets the job done without taking up too much space in my kit. You can get a similar product from Target (affiliate)
my pocket scale rule (affiliate) – easy and convenient for quickly taking measurements off ground plans. I also use it when I need a straight edge for marking up my scripts.
label maker (affiliate) – you’d be surprised at how much I end up using this (and how many theatre companies don’t have one). I label all of my personal items before going into rehearsals (phone included!). You may also use it to label mugs in the rehearsal room.
