Sourcing

As Technical Stage Manager, one of my roles is to source the relevant equipment for each of the installations. During the meeting we decided the key items were 5-7 monitors, several large screens, a computer, camera, AV leads, a television, 5 exam-style desks, and large white chalk. There were a few other necessary pieces, however since the meeting took place one Designer has left the module and so will no longer be a part of the installation.
Once I had established what we needed to get (without a budget), I emailed the appropriate members of staff to request the use of equipment during the two weeks surrounding the production dates. I have already received permission to use several monitors, and have been informed that I will be told soon about the use of screens from an old play.

Sending so many emails to lecturers has enabled me to practise the correct way to communicate on a professional level - when writing to someone within the context of a professional production and as the Stage Manager of that piece, one must ensure the letter is polite and respectful throughout, as well as clear and fairly concise as busy people do not wish to read pages of explanation. Similarly, it is important to build up a rapport with potentially helpful members of staff in the early stages of the project, so should anything go wrong, they already know and understand who you are and know you take your role seriously.