<P> Once the audience begins to enter a theater prior to a performance, the stage manager controls all aspects of the performance by calling the cues for all transitions (this is known as "calling the show") and acting as communications hub for the cast and crew . Large productions may utilize a stage management team in which the manager is responsible for calling the show while other team members operate backstage to ensure actors and crew are ready to perform their duties . After a show opens, the stage manager is also responsible for calling brush - up, put in, and understudy rehearsals to make sure that the show's quality is maintained . </P> <P> The stage manager ensures that lighting and sound cues are acted upon at the right time by issuing verbal standby and prompt calls . Each cue call begins with the word "standby" to indicate that an action is imminent and, in response, the technician who will perform the action acknowledges readiness to perform the action . Occasionally, after a long pause or break in the production's action, the stage manager will give a "warning" cue . This warns the technicians that the next cue is approaching . At the appropriate time, the stage manager will prompt immediate execution of the action by saying "go ." </P> <P> When the stage manager is calling the show from a control booth, an Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) is often stationed offstage . </P> <P> In the United States, Stage Manager is a generic title that may be applied to anyone who performs stage management functions . On small shows, one person typically performs all the tasks of stage management, and is simply referred to as the stage manager . Larger shows often need two or more stage managers . In such cases the head stage manager is titled Production Stage Manager (commonly abbreviated PSM), and working under the PSM is one or more Assistant Stage Managers (commonly abbreviated ASM). Shows that employ three stage managers have a PSM and two ASMs, though the program credits may list them as Production Stage Manager (first or head stage manager), Stage Manager (second stage manager), and Assistant Stage Manager (third stage manager). </P>

Where do stage managers keep all the blocking and cue notes