Stage Managers are the spines of the theatre world; without them entire productions would fall apart. This is due in part to their wide array of skills; they’re called upon to do any and almost everything, from repairing costumes in runs, reading in for absent actors in rehearsal, scheduling, administrative and communications work, prop construction…you name it.
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Stage Managers keep everything running smoothly. It’s literally part of their job. So it's interesting to see how some stage managers cope when life is anything but smooth. I found it not surprising that more than one stage manager was relying on their organizational skills on quarantine. I found it pleasantly interesting that all seemed to have a creative outlet to practice while in quarantine. As people in a creative field, who are not always seen as creative it was refreshing to see creativity was still a huge part of these folks' lives. Every one of these folks is ready to jump back into the world and I think we are all wondering what that will look like? What rules will be maintained once we are out of this and will we ever return to “normal”? What will the theatre look like? It feels really weird to be in a theatrical education in a time when no one knows the future of what theatre will be and if it will ever be the same.
Stage managers are the glue that keep a production together when theater used to be done in person, and I can’t imagine a more qualified group of people to be helping everyone navigate through this new time of online collaboration. I’ve been worried about theatre makers during this pandemic, hoping that people still have work they’re able to do if they can, projects to keep people afloat. I’m really glad to hear that the managers are still working, keeping design teams organized as processes and collaboration have moved online and are no longer happening in person. Their skills are so important still, with keeping actors, director, creative team, everyone in the loop via email or any other form of communication. With some performances even moving online, it was really interesting to read that a stage manager’s understanding of pacing helped coordinate cameras and actors. But, I think my favorite part of this article was Kirsten Parker’s sentiment about taking advantage of the arts where she lives once this is all over—it’s a good reminder for myself to do the same.
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