gift ideas for theatre folk
For Stage Managers
Photon Freedom Micro
This is my absolute favorite gift. There is an extensive review of it elsewhere on the tools page. I suppose you could consider anything mentioned on the tools page as an ideal gift for a stage manager, but this is the one I actually give people.
Geek Pen
This pen covers part of the territory of lighted pens suggested below for directors, but it has many more features that make it a more ideal gift for a stage manager. My assistant, Nick, got this for Christmas, and it's quite amazing. In addition to having a gooseneck light sticking off the side, it also has a laser pointer (which I love for pointing out things around the stage from the house), as well as a UV light (they suggest using it to identify counterfeit money), a ballpoint pen, and a stylus, if you still use a PDA that requires a stylus, or if like Nick you have a Nintendo DS.
For the Director
Lighted Pen
One of the best things to get a director is a pen that lights up so they can take notes in the dark. I own this one from Brookstone, but I'm sad to say they appear to no longer sell it on their website. But there are tons of variations on this theme, so you should be able to find something.
This is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only will your director enjoy the use of the pen, it will benefit you as well. The director will have the freedom to sit anywhere in the theatre and not crowd into your tech table light, and will not ask to borrow a flashlight. As I said I have one of these for my own personal use, but generally when I'm in the dark I need a script light anyway, so I don't get a whole lot of use out of it. If you know a PSM in one of those cushy jobs where they get to sit in the house and watch the show, however, this is an equally good gift.
For Actors
O2Cool Fan with Flashlight
I first saw this product while doing summer stock. My assistant got it for one of our leading ladies who was often hot backstage and liked to carry a fan. The beauty of this fan is that it's small, powered, and as a bonus contains a flashlight for finding one's way around backstage. It also has a carabiner clip so it's filled with possibilities for ways you can carry and store it. REI sells it for $5, so it's even inexpensive enough to give to multiple people as opening night gifts.