Stage and performance
Make a running order for a small performance
A running order lists every item in sequence with its length, start cue, the stage change before it and who handles that change. Build it from the acts as you know them, add up the durations and check whether anyone or anything is needed in two places.
A text to start with
I'm planning a small performance with these items: [item names and performers]. Estimated durations: [times]. Stage setups each item needs: [furniture, instruments, lighting, sound]. People available for changes: [names or roles]. Draft a running order with start cues, stage changes between items and a named person for each change. Show the total length and mark anything I haven't told you.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Running order worksheet
Performance and date: [ ] Total time available: [ ] Total time from this order: [ ] Position: [ ] Item: [ ] Performers: [ ] Duration and source of the estimate: [ ] Start cue: [ ] Stage change needed before it: [ ] Time allowed for the change: [ ] Person responsible for the change: [ ] Operator needed during the item: [ ] Conflict with another item: [ ] Resolved by: [ ]
Collisions to look for
Read down the order for any moment where one person or the stage is claimed twice. A performer who closes one item and opens the next may have no time to change. One operator may need to start a sound cue while also moving a prop. Check that each stage change is long enough for its work, since estimates run optimistic, and that each duration came from a rehearsal or the performer, not a guess. If the total exceeds your time, decide which item shrinks before anything is cut.
Ask another agent to check the result
Read this running order and find every place where the stage, an operator or a performer is needed by two items at once, or where a change is too short for its tasks. Give the item positions involved and say which duration estimates look unverified.
Test it against a run-through
Walk through the order with the people who handle changes and time each transition. Replace estimated durations with measured ones and note where they differ. Give every performer and operator their own lines from the order and settle who calls the start of each item. Keep one master copy and update it before sharing any revision.