Stage Manager/General Theatre Ques.?

Question

I was just wondering if it is possible to be friends with the cast and crew as a stage manager. I've heard several accounts where people say you have to be the boss and that's that; don't complicate your job by being too friendly. But I find that blah...don't people respect you more if you're their friend (but then again...I'm not exactly friends with my boss...). Also, how long does a stage manager usually stay with a production (I assume they move on after awhile, considering some productions last for years and years).

And a general opinion question to all those who work backstage. Does working on a production show after show after show take away from the awe you get when you actually go see a show (whether the production you work on or one you go see for fun)? I love going to the theatre, but I don't want to ruin the amazement I'm left with just because I've decided to become part of it.

Phew...that was a long question :] Thanks to all who answer!

Answer 1

As someone who's worked both on the stage and backstage I have to say that it is a good policy to be friendly towards the actors. Now that does not mean you kiss their *** for them. You are still in charge and if you must know in terms of hiearchy a stage manager is just below the director in most senarios so you are high up their.

If you are working on a schoold production or soemthing where you know the actors than yeah its okay to still be freindly, if the actors are "proffesional" in their work ethic you shouldn't need to tell them to many things. You still have to keep order backstage and make sure that all the technical cues happen as they are supposed to. If the actors start giving you problems take them to the side and just have an honest tak with them. Say something like "I want this production to be a sucess as much as you want it to be so help me out here" or "Look you auditioned you wanted to be a part of this so start acting proffesional and stop fooling around"

Also know who you can count on, their will almost always be at least one actor who doesn't mind doing technical work (usually that's me) if an actor offers to help you accept their help and remember that you can count on them

As for how long you stay on a show well believe it or not you end up staying on a long time. Even if the show runs for years and years, but that's to be expected because in the professional world it is easier to find work as a techie and you are usually expected to stay on till the end. Now of course in the professional world you have assistant stage managers so if you need to leave you can pass off the responsiblities to an assistant.

As for taking away from the magic never forget that "we are the makers of the dream" It is usually not a good idea to see the show you work on (believe me after awhile of seeing that show every night for a long time you are going to get tired of it) so see a different production if you can make sure you go just for the purpose of being entertained

I BETTER GET BEST ANSWER (hint hint)  

Answer 2

As a stage manager, I believe it's very important to establish a friendly working relationship with members of the cast. The idea is to make them feel comfortable enough to come to you first if they're having a problem....like in any other profession, if your management style is centered around gruffness and disciplinary measures, chances are if something goes wrong with their costume, their going to go to their dresser first and cut you out of the loop entirely (a place most stage managers HATE to be). Just remember, "you catch more flies with honey.........."

As for how long a stage manager remains on a production...........this can vary greatly depending on a large number of variables. I know of Broadway stage managers who have been on the same show for a decade now, but I believe that's kinda rare........it all depends on what other gigs are offered, money involved, who you're working with, etc.

In response to your last question, I must be honest and say that for me at least, all suspension of disbelief when I'm watching a show is gone entirely, I'm too busy critiquing the lighting design, set design, props, directing choices, acting choices, and other facets of the performance than just enjoying it for the story.......I must believe though that this varies wildly from person to person so all hope may not be lost............Good Luck!

Answer 3

It depends on your style.  Some people lead by inspiration; others manage by intimidation.  Unfortunately, some actors are difficult people and have to be managed.  It turns a lot of decent stage managers into the enemy, when they're really only doing their job.  I speak from experience as a former actor and director, who started acting in outdoor theater (which is a bit of a different animal) at the age of 13.  The role of the stage manager will depend on the demeanor of the cast.

The experience of doing theater did take away from my enjoyment of going to the theater.  Ours was a good production, and I found most other shows difficult to sit through after that.  For years, I usually couldn't wait for the plays I attended to be over.  Now that my kids are in them, of course it's different.

That having been said, if this is something you want to do, do it.  I don't regret the time I spent doing outdoor theater.  It was a blast, and I got to know people who are still my best friends almost 30 years later.  Furthermore, I now own a 10% stake in a show that was written by the writer of that first show I was in.  It's a business that's a whole lot more fun than just about any other.

Go for it!

Answer 4

Don't make the mistake of confusing being friendly with being friends. If it's your style to be friendly with the talent and that works for you and you get results, then awesome, take that and roll with it. You know what they say about flies and honey, after all. But if you're going to be friendly, then by god you'd better be equally friendly with everyone, and you'd better be able to lay down the law with every single actor onstage.

If you're chummier with some actors in the production than others, you open yourself up to making those you aren't as close with resent the fact that other actors get special treatment, even if that special treatment is all in their head and they're just being a diva about not being the center of attention. And if you get too buddy-buddy with an actor, they might start to think they're able to get away with more in rehearsals and backstage and such. This is all, of course, incredibly unprofessional behavior, but you'd be surprised how nutso creative types can be. If you're going to be friendly with the actors, make sure you still keep a professional distance from them.

And above all, never lose sight of the fact that a rehearsal or performance is never, ever time to socialize. You need to treat the process of producing a show as a business, even if you're just starting out and you're managing something like community theatre or whatever; if you plan to go pro eventually, you need to take it as seriously as a young performer who hopes to pursue that should. As a stage manager you are ultimately in charge of making sure the logistics of a show all work out, and getting your job done efficiently should ultimately be your primary focus. This is why many stage managers quickly get reputations for being mean and bossy with less experienced actors; they're there to do a job, and the average wannabe actor's crazy attention-whoring gets in the way of that. You've been hired (or you're volunteering) to fulfill a very specific and important role in a production, and making friends with the actors isn't on your job description; they don't evaluate your job performance, and nobody who can help your career will care how you got along with them unless you somehow contributed to a negative working environment.

And as for losing the "awe" of going to the theatre by becoming familiar with how things work backstage, I think you'll likely find that the exact opposite will happen. People in the theatre are constantly innovating, and there will always be "how the h**l did they do that?" moments, even for people who have long professional careers. When you have a lot of experience under your belt and you understand the things that should normally be a hindrance to an impossible entrance or set change, you'll appreciate seeing it that much more, in the same way that a someone who's been performing for a long time will have a deeper appreciation for seeing a truly knock-out performance than someone who doesn't really get what goes into it. If you truly love the theatre, there will always be something that will knock your socks off.

Answer 5

well, you do have to rule with an iron fist usually. Be tough on your actors, and keep them in line when you get to work. But, you can still be friends with them. When i was stage manager for a show at a local theatre, i was friends with all the cast members. When it got to show time, i was Mr. workworkwork no talking man. Them knowing me, and knowing that i am usually laid back and friendly, they respected the fact things had to get done, and got to work. i remember a 9 year old missed her cue twice in a row because she was talking, and i asked her to stop repeatedly. i finally got on one knee, looked her in the eye, and said

"if you miss one more cue, i am going to hang you up and cut your head off."

happy to say she did not miss another cue, AND was quiet. now im not saying go and be a jerk and yell and scream and go crazy, but i am saying do not let them get away with things, and if you have to, you can raise your voice. and you are right, another way to be a stage manager is to take the nice approach, but i have never seen a stage manager like that in years and years.

to go on, you should stick with your show no matter how long it runs. When you quit, they need to bring a new person in, and they have to re learn everything, and the play gets off whack. it isnt worth it in the long run. and yes, working on a production over and over again does sometimes get to be unthrilling, but same goes for the actors in the play.  if you get up every morning, get a cup of coffee, and go to work as usual for a long time, you start to just do it. it becomes a part of your life. so when you step backstage, that show, what your doing, should just become a part of you over time. and NEVER, EVER, let your guard down. things always happen. expect the unexpected. thats what theatre is all about.