The Global Media Site for Entertainment.
Menu
Today would be Dr. Seuss’ 115th Birthday. We all are familiar with his incredible stories, characters, art, intelligence and wit. And today, I’m going to explore how Dr. Seuss and his words are messages of advice for stage managers.
I hope you enjoy!
Starting with the first day of rehearsal, be observant and keep a keen eye. You will see who likes whom, who is angry with whom and learn about the personal dynamics of your company, just by watching their body language and keeping your eyes open.
Each person is different, so don’t expect others to think or act like you. Actors and stage hands and even your fellow stage managers have their own stories and perspectives. Try to see things from their point of view. It will save you tons of aggravation and energy and make it even easier for them to trust and respect you.
This is almost too easy… as a stage manager, we check and double check everything, insuring that all the details are taken care of. If we don’t do it, something will get missed and that is when bad things happen. Keep those check lists handy and be vigilant. We care and express that in our type A, OCD, stage manager way. That’s how things get done!
I have, what I think is a unique take on this. For me, it’s about acting, not re-acting. We can be responsible for our own actions and choose to “steer” ourselves in to or out of difficult situations. We don’t need to be drawn into an actor’s drama or technician busting our balls. You can take the high road and stay above the fray. You have the “brains” to choose your own course.
Keep your sense of humor. It is your best offense and defense. A good sense of humor can disarm a challenging situation and energize a company.
We all got into the theatre because it was a fun place to be. So you are allowed to have fun and enjoy the process and the people. But “you have to know how.” There is a time and a place to laugh and a time and place to be very serious. By knowing the difference, you can create a fun and safe work place everyone can enjoy. Peter Lawrence talks exactly about this in his book. Read it, it’s great!
Our work in the theatre has the power to change the world. Each performance, someone in the audience is seeing their first show or their last. We help create meaningful, cathartic and potentially life changing experiences. How we change our audiences can change the world. The plays and musicals we do can really help someone’s heart grow and that is a worthy goal eight times a week, if not more!
By using your brain and the collective brain of your SM team and production staff, you can always find a solution to a challenging problem. So before saying, that can’t be done… think those thinks!
There is always more to know, so keep educating yourself. Don’t assume you know it all. Theatre technology continues to grow and evolve and we need to keep up with it.
Once the show starts, it keeps moving forward, so don’t stew on something that didn’t go perfectly or you risk snowballing. Stay in the moment and keep moving forward. You are on a moving train and have to stay on top of it.
Starting a project can sometimes be daunting, so the important thing is just to start! By starting, things will always start happening. And when you are looking for a job you can’t just stand still and expect things to happen, so start moving and do something, any project is better than no project. This way you will meet people and continue to grow and opportunities will happen.
Stage Managers: How To Deal With Stress
The Misconceptions & Myths of Stage Management
The mission of the Broadway Stage Management Symposium is to create a safe and welcome place for stage managers to connect, share, learn and inspire. Each year, our annual event brings together the most experienced and highly-regarded Stage Management professionals on Broadway for a two-day program that offers practical insights, instruction, and inspiration for anyone interested in stage management. Through a variety of panels, Broadway’s stage managers share their experience, techniques, offer practical career advice, and answer questions. These sessions dive deep into important issues for stage managers of all levels, revealing insights into the why’s and how’s of stage management, that only come with the benefits of decades on Broadway. This unique forum presents opportunities to engage with top professionals as well as network with fellow attendees, exponentially growing professional relationships and opportunities. Past attendees have come from all over the U.S., as well as Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Mexico, and Australia and some alumni have gone on to work on Broadway shows. By sharing their knowledge, Broadway stage managers give a hand up to the next generation, illuminate proven strategies for success, and advance the profession. As the leaders of a company, stage managers’ actions have a significant impact on a show and its participants. The Symposium helps stage managers develop the tools for successful leadership and stewardship. In this way, the Symposium can have a positive impact not only on stage managers’ career, but the industry at large. Please join us for our annual event and the ongoing conversation all year long over our social media platforms (twitter, Instagram, facebook & tumblr) as well as the Symposium blog.
Read Full Profile
© 2021 TheatreArtLife. All rights reserved.
Thank you so much for reading, but you have now reached your free article limit for this month.
Our contributors are currently writing more articles for you to enjoy.
To keep reading, all you have to do is become a subscriber and then you can read unlimited articles anytime.
Your investment will help us continue to ignite connections across the globe in live entertainment and build this community for industry professionals.
