Top 33 Items You Need In Your Stage Manager’s Kit

What is a Stage Manager’s Kit?

The Stage Manager’s Kit is a tackle box or other mobile storage device which holds a bit of everything that they might need during a rehearsal or performance. The Main purpose of the Kit is to have a mobile solution for keeping supplies on hand.

The Kit should contain anything you think you will personally need during the course of the day, as well as anything an actor might need. Though you don’t want anyone taking advantage of you, its always nice to have some basic supplies on hand.

Anything I loan out I assume I will never see again, but hope to. Anything valuable I label with my name, but things like pencils and small office supplies are likely to be kept anyways, whether the person intends to or not.

What should you use to carry everything?

The classic SM Kit is a fishing tackle box which can hold and organize all of the individual items the SM needs to carry. I personally think using large pencil cases which hold their shape feels organized and looks a bit cleaner, but each SM will find their own system that works for them.

What should a Stage Manager have in their Kit?

When it comes to Stage Manager’s Kits, there are some items that every SM will agree should be included. These things will get used at least once or twice per production, and many on a daily basis.

1. Pencils

I personally prefer using mechanical pencils so I keep these stocked. These never need to be sharpened and I don’t need an extra on hand incase mine breaks. Wood pencils are great for handing out to people when they request them since they are cheap.

During the first rehearsal I give everyone a mechanical pencil with their script. It seems to eliminate a lot of requests throughout the process because they already received one which they keep with their script. I also provide highlighters for the same reason. Both of these should be purchased by the company or reimbursed for.

I like the Bic 0.5mm Mechanical Pencils so I can write fine details, but the 0.7mm are less likely to break. Variety packs are available on amazon with both options if you don’t know which you would like. For large cast shows I typically purchase a 40 pack so I have spares.

For cheap wooden pencils I don’t plan to see again I usually just go to Walmart and buy the cheapest bulk pack I can find.

2. Pencil Sharpener

For the cheap wood pencils I hand out, which I always keep sharpened as best I can. If possible I use a pencil sharpener which as the wider opening so the tip is less likely to snap off. Also preferably one with that holds the scraps so they don’t end up on the table that you have to clean up later.

Any ol’ pencil sharpener will do the trick, you probably have one laying around.

3. Erasers

I like keeping some of the cap erasers on hand to add to the cheap wooden pencils I hand out, but I keep a couple larger ones for the SM Team for erasing whole pages. These caps I recommend buying at Walmart or the dollar store since you probably don’t need 120 of them at one time, but amazon usually has a better deal on the block erasers.

I don’t like the pink ones because they make a bigger mess, but if you prefer them there are usually better deals in store, so no need to link here.

4. Post-It Notes

One of the classic Stage Managers Kit items are sticky notes. Great for writing a quick note to another person, attaching a note to a paper you need later, or just jotting something down quickly. I usually keep both small and regular sized ones on hand to have options.

Amazon has a pretty good deal on both Small Post-its and Regular sized Post Its. I usually keep multiple colors to differentiate notes.

5. Sticky Tabs

Adding tabs to places in the script you might want easy access to later is a great way to save time and get you familiar with the show ahead of time. Some stage Managers use these for writing cues into the book during tech to avoid erasing lots of cues when they inevitably shift during tech.

If you plan to use them for cues, make sure to purchase the paper ones, not the plastic ones. For Regular tabs, the wide plastic ones tent to stick to the page better, but for writing cues, the paper ones are a necessity for easy writing.

Anticipate how many cues are going to be in your show, and make sure you purchase enough tabs to keep you covered. The Post-It brand sells a 100 sheet 5 color pack (500 total tabs), which should last if you plan to swap sticky colors partway through.

6. Stapler

Any Stapler will do. I bought one of these 40 sheet Mini Staplers off Amazon last spring and love it. It usually takes a bit of force to get through 40 sheets, but this one at least has that option. I recommend a minimum of 30 sheet capacity for an SM.

7. Scissors

If you are able to keep a couple pair of scissors ready you will save the day more than once. I try to keep a smaller pair around for cutting glow tape and snipping small things.

8. Highlighters

I provide actors with a highlighter in their script on day one to allow them to highlight lines as we go. Make sure these are reimbursed by the company if you do the same.

9. Spike Tape

Spike Tape is used to mark the position of every object on stage so its position can be replicated exactly. I recommend keeping 5 colors of tape on hand for every show. The florescent versions of the Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, and Pink are the most useful colors for marking on stage.

The florescent colors show well under low light conditions, and allow for faster scene changes. Spike tape should be 0.5 inches wide.

I am not paid to say this: Only use Pro Tapes brand Spike Tape. Stage Spot is the best deal I have found for Spike and Gaff. This colored tape marks positions of objects on stage, and must stand up to people walking across it during the entire performance and rehearsal process.

Unless it only needs to last for one night, name brand tape will always be your best value. Cheap tape pulls up after about two performances.

10. Glow Tape

Glow Tape is used to mark the corners of raised platforms, corners of walls, and footlights. Anything that may be a safety hazard during a blackout should have glow tape. You need scissors to cut glow tape into usable pieces. It should be 0.5 inch wide tape for best results.

Glow Tape on Amazon is a decent deal.

11. Gaff Tape

Gaff Tape is the Theatre’s version of duct tape, but better in every way. Gaff tape sticks to almost any surface, doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue behind, is easy to tear by hand, and takes paint well. The most common width of gaff tape is 2 inches, with 3 inch available for multiple cable runs.

Just like spike tape, I strongly recommend Pro Tapes Gaff. It holds far better than the knockoff brands. Even though you spend a bit extra upfront on the higher quality tape, your return on investment is obvious when compared side by side.

I decided to switch to exclusively the pro tapes from a random amazon brand when I accidentally used the two side by side. When taping a single DMX run to a wall to keep it off the floor and intentioned, the Amazon tape held for about 18 hours at first before the cable fell down. The Pro Tapes gaff held for a month and half until strike.

12. Tape Measure

For taping out the set in the rehearsal hall you will want 2 tape measures. One 30 foot and one 25 foot tape will cover most smaller stages easily. I recommend Home Depot for regular tape measures.

I recently started testing a laser tape measure, and it’s useful in a lot of situations but I am still undecided on whether it is worth it for taping out the set.

It helps with some situations like measuring the full room at once to find center, but on stage it uses most of its usability. Flats never have useful corners where you need, so a regular tape measure almost always works better.

13. Spare Phone Charger

Everyone needs a phone charger at some point, especially the director. I usually keep a charging block with an iPhone Charger, and a usb-c charger so I can cover more options.

14. Permanent Markers

Sharpies.

Do not lend Sharpies to anyone.

Ever.

You will NEVER see it again. Keep spares for you and the SM team and be prepared to never see a single sharpie you give to anyone else again. These disappear whether intentionally or not.

15. Binder Clips

Scripts and large information packets need binder clips rather than staples. I usually keep some small ones, and some large ones on hand.

16. Paper Clips

For clipping paper…

17. Thumb Tacks

Most places have spares sitting around, but I keep a small box with me just incase. Dollar store is best for these.

18. Rubber Bands

rubber bands are an item that I almost,ost never need more than a few of per show, but when you need one, nothing else will do. Typically the long thin ones are the best, but most packs come with some different sizes.

19. Scotch Tape

The best for attaching paperwork to the walls. Spike tape is often used, but it’s far more expensive. Try to use regular tape instead for this.

20. Scale Ruler

The Architects Scale Ruler includes all standard scales used for theatrical drafting. Rather than measuring things on the ground plan in inches and converting, you simply measure with the correct side, and it tells you the exact distance in feet and inches.

I have had a plastic scale rule for about 5 years which is still in good shape, but I take better care of most of my equipment than many others. The metal scale rules are great for anyone planning to SM for a long time, since the plastic ones can get dinged up after a while.

The plastic scale rules on amazon are about half the price than the metal ones, but if you find a metal one on sale, the extra couple dollars is worth it.

21. Hand Sanitizer

Especially after covid, Sanitization has become even more important in the theatre. Actors interact in such intimate situations compared to the rest of the worlds workforce, and when one gets sickie almost always moves through the rest of the cast. Keeping hand sanitizer available on the SM table, backstage, in dressing rooms, etc. is a necessity. Often the company will take care of this, but if they don’t you should be prepared to take over.

22. Tweezers

Typically the plastic tweezers that come in some first aid kits are fine for large splinters, but metal tweezers are necessary for smaller splinters. For the completely prepared SM you would have both, but usually just one is fine.

23. Nail Clippers

Nail clippers are great for broken nails, digging out deep broken splinters, and clipping sharp plastic corners into a shape which won’t scrape anyone up.

24. Band-Aids

Although the company should provide and stock a general first aid kit, having some other basic options on hand is a good idea. Keep non-latex bandaids in your kit for anyone with a latex allergy, since you never know what will be in the premade First Aid Kit.

25. Advil/Tylenol

Advil and Tylenol are almost never included in the first aid kit, but are the most common over the counter medication needed.

There is a school of thought that the SM shouldn’t hand out over the counter medications, since if they have a reaction to it the SM could be held liable. Some companies have policies specifically restricting the SM from providing medications, so make sure your company allows it.

I personally keep both options in my kit, and allow the actors/crew to make that judgement call for themselves assuming there are o restrictions. I am sure to make it clear that it is their responsibility to read the label and understand the risks for themselves.

I would rather an actor take an Advil and be mentally present during a rehearsal than not be able to get any and waste their rehearsal time.

26. Instant Ice Pack (if no ice is readily available)

When you have no way to get ice, keep an instant ice pack in your kit. Most first aid kits come with one, but having a spare in your personal kit is always helpful. In a theatre with an ice machine in the lobby, I don’t worry as much about this.

27. Tampons/Pads (for actors)

Regardless of whether you personally require tampons or pads, you should keep them in your kit for actors and crew who might need them. Try to stock a brand which is organic, which should increase the amount of people who can use them.

28. Hair ties

You will always find a use for them other than tying hair, but they do serve that purpose as well. Dollar store is great since you will never see them again once you hand them out.

29. Bobby Pins

Bobby pins are for more than just keeping hair and hats in place. I have used them for countless other random tasks like pinning together a tablecloth which needed shaping. Though they aren’t a permanent solution, they are a fast and easy way to accomplish a goal.

30. Safety Pins

Better long term solution when pinning cloth together which will be moved or stressed a lot. Helpful when an actor’s belt breaks, and their pants are too loose to stay in the right position.

31. Multi-Tool

Having a bit of everything in the palm of your hand at once is great for quick fixes, and not searing for a flathead screwdriver.

32. Flashlight

Keep one brighter flashlight for using during tech, and one very dim one for using backstage during a performance. Small LED flashlights can be found cheap in Walmart, or any other store.

33. Pocket Knife

If you asked every Stage Manager what they keep in their kit, about 90% will list every one of these items. Most Stage Managers have a few other items in their kit in addition to these, but for those just starting out, this is a good starting point for what you should aim to keep on hand during every rehearsal and performance.

you may have noticed I didn’t list a complete First aid kit, but rather a few of the key items. I think an SM should keep the basics which get used the most, and rely on the Company First Aid Kit when possible.

Let’s look at some of the other items that you may want to keep in your kit. If you are building your first kit, Leave these out to start, and if you run into a situation where you need the item, then you can choose to add the extra items.

Other Items to include in your Stage Manager’s Kit

• Sewing Kit
• Yarn or Twine (for tying the pencil/pen to the sign in sheet)
• Hole Punch Reinforcements
• Label Maker
• Notebooks
• Ziplock Bags
• Additional Tools
• Packaging Tape (did you know you can laminate small items with packing tape?)
• Flash Drives (preferably cheap ones you aren’t going to be upset about never getting back)
• Fork/Knife/Spoon

Other Stage Management Resources.

If you are just getting started with your Stage Management journey, I have plenty of other SM information available here:

What does a Stage Manager do?

How to Make a Prompt Book

11 Skills Every Stage Manager Needs