I am a stage manager. This means that my workload is primarily paperwork and spreadsheets. I write reports, I communicate with departments, and I call cues. Stage management isn’t what people typically think of when they think of theater. I will be the first to admit it’s not the most glamorous job, nor does it allow for the most creative expression, but it’s what I love to do. I’ve always had a difficult time considering what I do “art”, it doesn’t seem right to group spreadsheets and elaborate sets in the same category. But I’ve come to realize that it is not the amount of creativity that constitutes art, it’s the final project. At the end of the day I am helping to put on a spectacular show, and that’s what is important to me. 

 

I have been involved in theater since middle school, when I stage managed my first play in 8th grade, I realized that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Obviously the job description was quite different to me then, but my love of the position has still held up. Through the years I have become more dedicated to my art, always striving to learn more and be better. I have tried my hand in most aspects of theater but nothing has suited me more than stage management. My perfectionist attitude and organized nature has made this job the perfect fit. 

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Many standard office jobs share duties with stage management, so why don’t I try one of those? I would be able to manage a team, communicate openly, and organize data just the same; so why do I choose the riskier option. The answer is simple: because it is fun. I would never be able to meet the same people, have the same experiences, or feel the same rush at a standard office job. Being an artist is more important to me than an easy out. I have never been more passionate about anything else in my life. Working on productions fills me with the most joy I could imagine. Simply making a rehearsal report can put a smile on my face. There have been days where I’ve been stressed out or unhappy, but just being able to go to rehearsal changes everything. There is something so freeing about sitting in a theater, watching the words on paper take physical form. It feels like the whole world is blocked out and all that matters is this production. Of course things can get hectic: props can break, wardrobe malfunctions, cues aren’t called correctly; but when everything goes right, it’s the best feeling in the world. 

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I want to continue to experience this euphoria for the rest of my life. I want to stage manage shows all over the country. I never want to be bored by my job. The ultimate goal is for it to never feel like a job. If I can leave everyday with the same feeling I get at rehearsals now, I will know I succeeded. I want to do shows from multiple genres; musicals, Shakespeare, operas, ballets, plays, etc. I hope to experience theater of all kinds and meet people all over the country. I want to do as much theater as possible, because it is what I love. Most importantly, I want to help people fall in love with theater the same way I have. The feeling is unparalleled and I think more people should be able to experience that. In order to follow through with this goal I need to uphold my own personal beliefs. I will keep working hard towards what I want, give every project my all, and be open to new experiences. Above all else I need to remember to have fun, even when things may seem stressful. Because ultimately, I am not just doing this as a career, I am doing this because I love it.