A Stage Manager’s Guide to Elevating Your Production
As a stage manager, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the magic that unfolds during the rehearsal process. It’s a delicate dance where directors, designers, actors, and technicians come together to breathe life into a script. But let me let you in on a little secret – effective staging rehearsals are not just about the logistics, they’re an art form in and of themselves.
Cultivating a Collaborative Spirit
At the heart of any successful staging rehearsal is a spirit of collaboration. As a stage manager, I see my role as a vital bridge between the various stakeholders involved in a production. Collaboration forms the bedrock of any live performance, and it’s our job to facilitate effective communication and ensure smooth collaboration among the director, designers, cast, and crew.
By actively engaging in discussions and actively listening to different perspectives, we can promote an inclusive creative process that harnesses the collective talents of the team. After all, there is no other department that touches all facets of a production and through all phases of production like stage management does. It’s a unique vantage point that allows us to see the big picture and bring everyone together.
But let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. There’s a common misconception that stage managers are the ones holding all the authority, the ones in charge. But the reality is, we’re more like facilitators, middle managers who are tasked with keeping the show on track. And that means we have to be humble, willing to embrace the unknown, and create a lightness to our approach to leadership.
Embracing the Artist Within
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But stage managers are supposed to be technical experts, not artists!” Well, let me tell you, I proudly define myself as an artist, not a technician. Sure, we need to have a solid understanding of the technical aspects of a production, but our true power lies in our ability to connect with the human element.
As stage managers, we’re responsible for maintaining the show’s artistic integrity. After the director leaves, the artistic maintenance falls on our shoulders. In a way, we become the directors of the show, guiding the actors, providing feedback, and ensuring the artistic vision is upheld.
But it’s not just about the technical know-how – it’s about the way we interact with the people we manage, the performers who so generously pour their hearts into the production. Our stage management style can set the tone and shape the trust we build with the cast and crew. It’s about being present, responsive, and treating everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve.
The Art of Being a Show Caller
One of the most critical aspects of effective staging rehearsals is the role of the show caller. As the conductor of the flow of the show, we’re not just timekeepers or watchful eyes – we’re performance partners, responding to the ebb and flow of the action on stage.
It’s a delicate balance, requiring a keen sense of timing, an acute awareness of the performers’ needs, and the ability to adapt on the fly. We have to be in tune with the performers, responding to their cues and timing, just as they are responding to us. It’s a symbiotic relationship, a dance of trust and mutual understanding.
And let me tell you, it’s not just about the technical execution – it’s about the artistry, the humanity, the ability to connect with the performers on a deeper level. We have to be able to read the room, to sense the energy, to anticipate the needs of the moment. It’s a skill that can’t be taught, but rather, one that’s honed through years of experience and a deep understanding of the craft.
Embracing the Unknown
As stage managers, we’re often expected to have all the answers, to be the ones in control. But the truth is, the most effective leaders are the ones who are willing to admit when they don’t know something, the ones who are brave enough to ask for help. It takes courage to step back and say, “I’m not sure how to handle this, but let’s figure it out together.”
And you know what? That’s where the magic happens. When we let go of the need to be perfect, when we embrace the unknown, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, to innovative solutions, to the kind of collaborative synergy that can elevate a production to new heights.
So, my fellow stage managers, I challenge you to let go of the need to be the all-knowing, all-powerful wizard behind the curtain. Instead, embrace your inner artist, your collaborative spirit, and your willingness to learn and grow. Because if you want to be the best in your field, you have to train like it – and that means constantly striving to improve, to evolve, to unlock the secrets of effective staging rehearsals.
And who knows, maybe one day, your name will be up in lights, not just for your technical prowess, but for the artistry and humanity you brought to the stage. After all, great professionals never get complacent – they’re always seeking to push the boundaries, to redefine the art of stage management.
So, let’s get to work, my friends. The stage is ours, and the possibilities are endless.
