What I Do
My starting point for any production as a stage manager consists of the 3 C’s. Collaboration, coordination, and courageousness. All three are vital to my process, and how I operate both within and outside of the room. Collaboration contributes to creating a positive and inviting environment for all members of the company. I often refer to a quote by Margaret Fuller: “If you have knowledge, let others light their candle in it.” The beauty of theatre is the process of getting to learn and work with others. Everyone has their own unique perspective and skill set, and as a stage manager, embracing those differences helps to create a more well rounded team.
Coordination helps create an environment that not only runs smoothly, but runs efficiently. When a process is running efficiently all members of the production team are able to coexist positively, and construct a final product in which everyone can look back on with grace. Coordination begins with the individual who serves as the eyes and ears for team members not in the room. That individual is the stage manager. When I am able to balance and adapt quickly, disseminate information, and do so in a timely manner, those involved give me their trust. Having that trust fuels my next “C.”
Courageousness is something that I have included in my practice on recent productions. Before beginning college, the shy girl within me would have been scared to lead a room, use her voice, and would second guess her decisions after making them. Was that the right choice? I now have a simple sticker that I keep on my laptop reading “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” This is especially important for me as a stage manager. We often think of ourselves as individuals who work best unseen. However, there is strength in allowing others to witness our successes and failures, no matter the size. Advocating for myself as a stage manager, and looking at the small reminder of bravery has made me so much more confident in the practice. Leading a room and developing my stage management persona has been extremely rewarding, and the growth I have seen while in college is immeasurable.
What I love most about a job or opportunity is putting my “stage management lens” into action when problem solving and discussing solutions. Working in theatre has expanded my ability to think creatively, and extending the practices of a stage manager in all settings is what I hope to do forever.
Coordination helps create an environment that not only runs smoothly, but runs efficiently. When a process is running efficiently all members of the production team are able to coexist positively, and construct a final product in which everyone can look back on with grace. Coordination begins with the individual who serves as the eyes and ears for team members not in the room. That individual is the stage manager. When I am able to balance and adapt quickly, disseminate information, and do so in a timely manner, those involved give me their trust. Having that trust fuels my next “C.”
Courageousness is something that I have included in my practice on recent productions. Before beginning college, the shy girl within me would have been scared to lead a room, use her voice, and would second guess her decisions after making them. Was that the right choice? I now have a simple sticker that I keep on my laptop reading “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” This is especially important for me as a stage manager. We often think of ourselves as individuals who work best unseen. However, there is strength in allowing others to witness our successes and failures, no matter the size. Advocating for myself as a stage manager, and looking at the small reminder of bravery has made me so much more confident in the practice. Leading a room and developing my stage management persona has been extremely rewarding, and the growth I have seen while in college is immeasurable.
What I love most about a job or opportunity is putting my “stage management lens” into action when problem solving and discussing solutions. Working in theatre has expanded my ability to think creatively, and extending the practices of a stage manager in all settings is what I hope to do forever.