Understanding Handovers

StageMic detects handovers by following each mic through the scene allocations. A handover is a change from one wearer to another, a return to the mic table or a collection from it. The interface also refers to these as swaps.

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Direct changes

If a mic changes wearer between consecutive scenes, StageMic places the handover in the receiving scene. The John-to-Alice handover appears in Scene 2. This is not an ideal scenario as the handover will not have time to occur.

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Changes across blank scenes

If there is a gap between wearers, StageMic places the handover in the first unassigned scene after the previous allocation. The John-to-Alice handover appears in Scene 2. This gives the crew the earliest scene in the gap where the change can be planned.

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Returns and collections

An explicit Mic table assignment separates a return from a later collection. In this case, StageMic shows John returning the mic in Scene 2 and Alice collecting it in Scene 3. It is not desirable to have this scenario, and so there should be an Unassigned scene before after a Mic table allocation where a collection can occur. See Mic Table.

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Character changes on the same actor

If two characters are linked to the same actor, changing between those characters on the same mic does not create a handover. The character has changed, but the physical wearer has not. Accurate actor links are therefore useful when plotting actors who play multiple roles.

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Initial allocations

The first wearer assigned to a mic does not create a collection handover. If you want an initial collection included in the handover list, include a suitable earlier scene with the mic assigned to Mic table. Similarly, an allocation followed only by blank scenes does not create an automatic return. Use Mic table to record an explicit return.

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Reviewing timing

Detected handovers are based on your scene allocations. StageMic does not know when actors enter or leave, how long a change takes or if/where crew will meet them. Review every handover against the practical running of the show during Tech Rehearsals. If a change needs its own plotting point, you can add a scene representing that point and allocate the mic accordingly.

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Completion tracking

Marking a handover completed records backstage progress. It does not change the allocation plan. Current allocations continue to show the plotted wearer for the selected scene, whether or not the corresponding handover has been ticked. Before each performance, reset completion tracking so that the new performance begins with pending handovers. See Handover Completion.