The Nerve Centre.

This is the control centre for the Stage Manager. From here he can control lighting, sound, front of house, orchestra and performers. Everything runs to the clock. Each sound channel contacts a different set of people.

For us performers we are given a countdown to performance at 30, 15, 10 and 5 minutes. We get called to stage in time for our entrances. Front of House are told when to play the announcements to get people into the auditorium from the bar. Lighting and sound are spoken to to make sure they are ready to go once the audience are in. There is usually a light system to the orchestra pit to let the conductor know everything is in place and he can start the music.

If that wasn't enough, the SM also has to make sure all the scene changes happen, that the major items such as furniture, backdrops and scenery on stage get on and off, and to co-ordinate the coming and going of on and off-stage personnel in a very confined space. Often doing much of the work himself in amateur theatre.

It's an amazingly difficult job and not one that public really notice if they know about it at all, unless of course it goes wrong. Then it really is noticeable to everybody. Luckily, our SM was damn good every performance and all was well. Well done Paul!