For those who don’t know what I do backstage as an assistant stage manager, in the simplest terms, I make sure everything and everyone on my side of the stage, stage left, is where they are supposed to be, that everything happens when it is supposed to, and that the show, in general, is running smoothly. I am there to help the actors with anything they need and coordinate with other departments such as carpentry, props, wardrobe, and hair to make sure there are no traffic issues in such close quarters.
Due to the cinematic nature of this show, there is always something coming on or off in each wing, so it is important that everything is as choreographed backstage as it is onstage. The other departments work with local crew members who are not initially familiar with the show or the timing of their duties, so I make sure that no matter what city we are in, the backstage choreography is as consistent as possible, such as waiting for a cast member to exit before moving a piece of furniture into the wings.
Earlier on in the production process, I dealt more with actors not knowing where to go or what to do. While in rehearsals, I had an actor come off stage and ask, “What do I do next?”
“You’re going to enter Left 2 with your backpack.”
They started to cross over to the other side of the stage and I said, “Nope. We are standing in L2. Here’s your backpack; you’re good to go.”
Those types of situations are what I watch for and deal with every night. Not so much with the Actors anymore, but certainly with the Local crew. It’s never the same show twice and I’m often on my toes, problem solving throughout the show. That’s what makes stage management so much fun.
If we’re doing our jobs right, the audience doesn’t even know we’re there, even if we have to go onstage and hold a table steady because the breaks aren’t working and an actor dances on it! Yes, that did happen to me the last show we did in Buffalo, and I don’t think anyone noticed! For situations like that, wardrobe has provided us with Letterman’s jackets that we can throw on to blend into the “High School” crowd a little better.
In addition to my Tour on-stage debut, I also got stage-doored for the first time while in Minneapolis! The fan even had a sign with my name on it, in addition to the names of the two other female stage managers! She was a young a young stage manager thrilled and encouraged by our all-female stage management crew. It’s also been surprising to have aspiring stage managers reach out on instagram wanting to meet after the shows. It’s fun to have fans and to see so many young women interested in stage management!
Despite having only two days in Minneapolis when it wasn’t raining or snowing, I really liked it there. The theater and the locals were so kind and accommodating and those two nice weather days were really nice!
We’re now in Des Moines, where, so far, the weather is perfect and the city is cute, but the theatre is going to be interesting.
We’ll see!
e