We are asking stage managers around the world, in a stage manager tag, some key questions about their job. Here is Katie Houff based in NYC, USA.
1. Are you a minimalist or a hoarder Stage Manager?
I don’t think I’m a minimalist so I guess that makes me a hoarder.
2. What do you always have with you on stage?
Water bottle, pen case, my personal headset, Apple watch, legal pad, binder of cue sheets.
3. What’s in your kit?
Multi-tool, C-wrench, ultimate focus tool, post-its, work gloves, tape measure, protractor, few pieces of tie line, binder clips, mini stapler, 3-hole punch, scissors, small notepads, level, circuit tester, mini first aid kit, tissues, stopwatch, headlamp and flashlight, hex key set, power strip.
4. Mac or PC?
Mac.
5. What’s in your pencil case?
Pencils, click eraser, highlighter, sharpies, pens.
6. Favourite colour highlighter
Pink.
7. Favourite pencil
Any mechanical pencil, but fave pen is the Papermate Profile.
8. What may be surprising that you don’t use?
A script or score. I mostly work in dance so I create my own cue sheets based off movement and/or music cues.
9. Coffee or Tea?
Coffee.
10. Favourite Genre to work in
Dance.
BONUS QUESTION
11. Advice for new Stage Managers
Take advantage of internship opportunities where you’ll be immersed in the kind of theatrical environment you want to be in. I interned at the American Dance Festival for 2 summers after college graduation and got to meet and work with the touring companies that came through and I learned A LOT. As an SM, it’s enormously valuable to have dipped your toe into as many different backstage areas as possible and the connections that came out of the experience were incredible as well.
Other SM Tags:
The Stage Manager Tag: Mark Shayle
The Stage Manager Tag: Keyur Shah
Want to be part of the SM Tag? Fill the form HERE.