What Goes on Behind the Scenes of Theatre?
From February 11 to 13, 2022, Elon put on their annual winter musical. This year, it was none other than one of the most iconic fairy tale mashups, Into the Woods.
While the actors and actresses are the ones who have the spotlight on them, many others came together behind the scenes to make sure everything went off without a hitch. Sophomore assistant stage manager, Haley Robles, spoke about her experiences with stage managing and its importance in the world of theater.
Q: How did you get into stage managing?
A: I used to play lacrosse and multiple other sports throughout high school, but once I had gotten to my junior year, I had had too many concussions to continue to play safely. I love being involved, and so I had to reevaluate to think of other activities that I could participate in. My high school advisor mentioned that the theater program needed a stage manager, and I ended up giving it a try and I completely fell in love with it. Throughout my junior and senior year I managed my school’s shows, but I had already applied to Elon to go into the medical field. However, in July before starting my freshman year, I emailed the program director to get an audition to become a collegiate stage manager and it ended up working out!
Q: Do you mind explaining what a stage manager does and what your job consists of?
A: In all higher level productions, there is normally a head stage manager and two assistant stage managers, and they have completely different jobs. The head stage manager mainly focuses on communication aspects, such as setting up meetings and sending emails. They are also in charge of calling the show. Assistant stage managers are mainly in charge of prop tracking, scenic tracking, making sure the actors are in correct places, and overall just making sure everything is running smoothly and safely.
Q: How was your experience working on Into the Woods?
A: It was great! Into the Woods has the winter musical slot, which means that there are only three weeks to rehearse the show. Then comes tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and then finally the performances. Basically, everyone had to block and learn everything in seven rehearsals: we rehearsed 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week! While it was a lot, it was super rewarding to see everyone’s vision come to life successfully. Also, this show felt a lot more like things were getting back to normal compared to some of the COVID productions which was so encouraging.
Q: What are the relationships like between you and the actors?
A: At a collegiate level where we all go to school together, sometimes it can become difficult. I have to be friends and also be professional with these people at the same time, and sometimes it can be hard to separate the two. However, everyone is so incredibly respectful and they really blew me away! Once the show is over, it is really nice to turn the friendship back on because these people are some of my best friends.
Q: What are some important aspects of the relationship between the stage managers and actors?
A: A level of trust is absolutely necessary because one of our jobs is to make sure people are happy and content. Also, the ability to be flexible with each other is so important – especially during the peak of COVID. There needs to be an understanding that things are always going to change. It’s so amazing to see that passion aspect to make it all come to life which fuels a mutual understanding of what we're all going to school for.
Q: Overall, what are your favorite aspects of stage managing?
A: The shows are my favorite, and I love just seeing everything grow from the ground up. I’m actually already working on things for the next J-term show! The beginning of the rehearsal process is so fun because the actors and actresses get to play and make choices about their characters. I love taking notes on everyone to make sure I can always help.
Go visit www.elonperfomingarts.com for more information about the schedules of the different shows!