Over the course of this second semester, I encountered plenty of challenges in my action including choosing and casting our spring production, having actors drop out of the production and a few rough assemblies, but with the help of the teachers at Charles Best and my crew, I managed to overcome all these challenges.
When the decision was made that we would not be able to do a musical for our spring production, me and Mr. Case had to get together and figure out what other script we should start to rehearse. After a weekend of frantic script reading and a few days of discussion, we concluded that out of the two true considerations – The Crucible and Tom Jones – Tom Jones became the evident choice for multiple reasons. First, we had a good idea of who would play a majority of the characters, and second, for a cast who were already not incredibly committed to putting on a production, having them rehearse The Crucible for multiple months might turn them away from the drama program in following years. Therefore, looking out for future generations of actors and crew led the two of us to make the decision with a heavy heart that we would go with the romantic comedy that is Tom Jones. In the end, the decision was well received, and rehearsals became a highlight of many a day.
As predicted, a good number of actors were less committed than they could have been. We lost a few actors soon after being cast and were left with some crucial roles unfilled. We managed to pull in another actor and move around a few of the ensemble members who stepped up to the role with enthusiasm and determination. The show was better for it, and the cast found their respective roles and committed.
Assembly preparations are not difficult unless the organizers are unaware of what they want or need. In a few of the assemblies this term, organizers were underprepared or unsure of what was going on, which led to me having to think up some creative solutions. When the assembly microphone was not found where it was meant to be in the office, I managed to piece together a microphone setup with a lapel microphone from the library, however, was unable to monitor how the assembly went, as there was another assembly for the valedictorian speeches happening simultaneously. While operating sound and lighting for the valedictorian speeches, my assistant stage manager was monitoring the second assembly. We managed to have sound for both assemblies run smoothly with a bit of quick, critical and creative thinking.
How did this action change the way I think? This action has continued to change the way I navigate the world and consider other people and their actions. Being a stage manager has continued to develop my understanding of professional relationships, communication and consideration of peoples’ states of mind, personal life in relation to professional life, navigation of deadlines and social responsibility.
This semester I really managed to learn to separate my professional life from my personal life, being respectful, inclusive and lending an hear to those who need it while not letting it bleed into my personal life too much.
This action will impact my future decisions because I will be going into the industry of technical theatre for post secondary education and for my future career. After a year of post secondary education, I plan to reapply to the National Theatre School of Canada and do my best to learn what I can. Stage management has already gotten me far in terms of applying for NTS. I ended up on a shortlist to become one of the 8-10 students per year who get into their production design and technical arts program, something I am proud of because they don’t often consider or accept students coming straight out of high school.
My action will have an impact on local members of my community. The Charles Best Drama and Stagecraft program have seen a positive impact from my work. At one point, there had been 75 crew members, however we averaged at about 40 over the entire year. That is still an increase from previous years, meaning my part in the advertising and marketing of the class and club has had an impact. In my action I created opportunities for high school students from Charles best and local schools without drama programs to express themselves creatively both on stage and backstage, as well as helped teach a new generation of students marketable skills that will help them in the future, no matter what they go into for education or profession.
Thank you for following along my journey as a High School Stage Manager,
All the Best,
Melea C.R.