Stage Managing “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band

TheatreArtLife has a one on one discussion with Master Sergeant Rich Dickerson, stage manager for “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

Learn about what it’s like to stage manage all facets of events in a military environment, and the scope of the role within a highly specialised team. Now serving 16 years with the United States Marine Band, it’s a must watch.

Master Sergeant Rich Dickerson:

Stage Manager Master Sergeant Richard Dickerson joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in July 2004. Master Sgt. Dickerson began his musical training at age five. Upon graduating in 1992 from El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, he joined the United States Marine Corps. In November 1992, following recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, and Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, he reported to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band in El Toro, Calif. After one enlistment, he separated from the Marine Corps to attend the Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore where, in 2000, he received a bachelor of music degree in French horn performance. Master Sgt. Dickerson’s instructors include David Bakkegard of the Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra associate principal horn Peter Landgren, also of Peabody Conservatory, and recording artist Barry Tuckwell.
Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” Master Sgt. Dickerson served as a stage crew member and stage manager for the Peabody Conservatory Opera Department from 1996-2003 and assistant stage manager for the Baltimore Opera Company from 2002-2004. Master Sgt. Dickerson has also been a professor at Prince George’s Community College since 2016 teaching in the Entertainment Technology Department.

In addition to his stage manager duties, he also serves as the band’s Safety Supervisor.