Blocking- Stage Mangement

Blocking is done by DSM which is directive stage manager.

Blocking is when you record the movement of performers WHERE and WHEN in the performance.

The reason why Blocking is done is so the lighting designer (LD), sound designer (SND DES), flys, scene changes, understudies, swings and reviews on long runs know whats happening and where to put their corresponding equipment, for example for the lighting designer, by knowing where performers are; they can then plan where to put up lanterns to fit the mood and so the audience can see where the performers are.

One key thing to know about blocking is that blocking should always be done in pencil and nothing else. This is due to the fact if there is a change from the director or one of the designers, then its easily changed and its not permanent.

When blocking, there are 3 key things to remember:

1) Use character initials

2) number the moves (start from 1 on every page)

3) place the number in the blocking column and in the script where the move happens