Last week, the Drama club, The Comet Players, dazzled us with their production of “Dinner Anyone?” I was lucky enough to sit and watch the show. I’ve spent quite a few years on stage myself so it definitely took me back to my glory days in the spotlight. I remember the anticipation, the butterflies and then having it all disappear once I stepped out on stage. In theatre, most of the attention goes to the actors on stage. The unsung heroes exist behind the curtain. The director, producers, lighting, sound and costume designers, the prop master and set designer. One role that often gets overlooked is the stage manager. After the show, I decided to sit down with the stage manager, Owen and get his thoughts on his role and the successful performance he had just led.
Ms. Kelsey: Why did you choose the role of stage manager?
Owen: I liked the idea of organizing the plays. I got to figure out where people were gonna go [blocking] and see the plays come to life.
Ms. Kelsey: Was it what you expected it would be?
Owen: Yeah, pretty much.
Ms. Kelsey: What was one thing about the role you didn’t anticipate?
Owen: How much responsibility it is. I didn’t expect that I was gonna have to great the audience at the beginning or talk in between the plays.
Ms. Kelsey: Did that make you nervous?
Owen: Yeah! I found out about that the day before the play. I didn’t really know what I was gonna say or do.
Ms. Kelsey: Did you have help figuring that out?
Owen: Yeah, my mom kinda helped me. She said I should say hello and say thank you to Mrs. Crudo and Mrs. Crosby and her. And then like announce the plays and stuff.
Ms. Kelsey: What was the biggest challenge of being stage manager?
Owen: Organizing the plays. I had to go to each play’s rehearsal and watch them practice and create ideas for blocking.
Ms. Kelsey: Which play was your favorite?
Owen: The game show one, “Guess That Number”. It was really funny. There was a lot of action. The actors did really great, they were perfect for their roles.
Ms. Kelsey: Do you think you’ll do drama again next year?
Owen: Definitely
Ms. Kelsey: Do you think you’ll want to try to be stage manager again?
Owen: Yeah.
Ms. Kelsey: Is there anything you would want to do differently in the role of stage manager?
Owen: No, I think it’s good how it is. There’s definitely less attention than the actors. I’m behind the scenes. I guess maybe I’d want to be a little more out there.
Ms. Kelsey: Would you consider doing both? Being the stage manager and performing in a play?
Owen: Maybe, but it would be really hard. I’d have to worry about all the stage manager stuff and worry about the play I’m in.
Ms. Kelsey: You did a really great job as stage manager, Owen. Thanks for answering my questions today.
Owen: You’re welcome!