Before a performance, in addition to checking props and sets and lights and the house and wayward actors they call out how many minutes there are until the curtain rises. It is proper etiquette to thank your stage manager and repeat the minute call. This lets your SM know that you heard him correctly and you know how long you have to get ready. So if your SM says "15 minutes to places." Your proper response is "Thank you, 15".
Stage managers are awesome. They find lost props during shows and cal light cues and put heels back on broken shoes and lace corsets and if you're really lucky they bring you flowers on preview night AND opening night. Ok, I'm just a really lucky girl with an incredible SM right now. :)
But yes, always thank your Stage Manager. They work hard.
