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We are asking women in the entertainment industry around the world some key questions about their life and career. Here is Lucie Everett-Brown based in Auckland, New Zealand.
1. In which part of the industry do you work?
Stage (and sometimes Production) Management
2. Have you drawn professional inspiration from other women in the entertainment industry? How have they inspired you?
I have! We have a small industry here and most SMs tend to come in for several years and then leave – not many go on past the small country’s glass ceiling. One of the SMs I knew from NZ made the leap to the UK some years ago and has worked to end up calling shows on the West End, one touring to Broadway. She made me see that all the hard work can pay off, to advocate for yourself and believe in your experience because that is what can make this job the most rewarding and eye-opening thing you do.
3. What would you tell young women who are just starting out? What would you like them to know?
Don’t second-guess your choices (unless safety related) or what you deserve. No job is worth the expense of your health – physical or mental. Compromises on your energy are compromises on your work.
4. What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
Get back up and keep going; mistakes must be made in order to learn.
5. Please share one of your toughest challenges in your career. How did you overcome?
Having two traumatic brain injuries in the space of a year, both work related – I had to completely restructure how I work as an SM, almost go back to the beginning. While it did make me a much better stage manager, the process was very difficult and needed a lot of acceptance and courage to move on.
6. What is your favorite musical or play?
Musical (that I would LOVE to do) – Beetlejuice.
Play – (that I have done) Every Brilliant Thing; (that I’d love to do) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
7. What is your morning routine?
Allow 20 minutes of staying in bed past my alarm, then get up and do skincare/take medicine/get dressed/feed the cat as quickly as possible so I feel more awake. Then I make a to-do list while I drink coffee/tea, and I write down and immediately tick off the things I’ve already done.
8. Drink of Choice?
Gin and soda, but more frequently a (double-shot) cappuccino.
9. What is a phrase you are known for saying?
Check your presets; then check them again. A good pencil is an SM’s best friend.
10. If you are not a mother and are willing to share your reasons, we would love to celebrate those choices. Please feel free to share your journey.
I’m too focused on my work right now and my life isn’t at a stage (in any way) to be able to care for a tiny human. I’m quite happy with my cat for now!
BONUS QUESTION
11. What advice would you give to other women in the industry?
Admitting you don’t understand something and asking for clarity makes you much stronger as an SM than just pretending you know. Ask twice, do it once (where possible). Nobody’s status in the team should ever overshadow your best work, so don’t be afraid to speak up. You’re one of the most important people in the room, no matter which room.
Women in the Entertainment Industry: Janine Diaz
Women in the Entertainment Industry: Renu Arora
Want to be part of the Women in the Entertainment Industry series? Fill the form HERE.
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