International Stage Management Interview Series: Mary Barnett

In this international stage management interview, Mary Barnett shares what it is like to manage one of the largest circus shows in the world, how she goes about balancing family life and what took her to Las Vegas.

Mary graduated with a B.A. in Theatre/Speech from Wagner College – located on Staten Island.  While living in New York after college, Mary stage managed shows with Prospect Theatre Company, New York Classical Theatre, Shawnee Playhouse, and College Light Opera Company. She then hit the road with the national tours of Rent and Seussical the Musical, and eventually landed in Las Vegas with Avenue Q at The Wynn Hotel, followed by a brief stint with Penn & Teller.

Mary has worked for Cirque du Soleil since 2006, mostly at “The Beatles LOVE where she is currently General Stage Manager. She also spent a blissful 10 weeks with Cirque du Soleil’s KA, and was Production Stage Manager for the 2015 benefit performance for the foundation One Night for One Drop. Mary’s husband is an Automation technician for Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ONE, and they have 2 children.