Give Me My Headset!

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

Sorry. I had to say it.

But really, a long time ago, I was a stage manager. For those of you who might not know what a stage manager does - we basically manage a stage production. We're in charge of the cast, technicians, crew, and yes, even the directors (although they'd like you to think that they were in charge.) A good stage manager will be involved in the show from the planning process to the very last curtain call. Stage managers record everything that happens in the planning process. During rehearsal, stage managers record all the stage movements and needs for the production, as well as take care of the cast and directors. When tech week comes (adding lights and sound to the production), a stage manager takes the reins from the director and becomes the head honcho. The stage manager will give the cues to the technicians and the crew, take notes regarding the performance, and yes, take care of the cast.

It was great preparation for becoming a mom.

As this summer's melodrama sets into production, I won't be in full-swing stage manager mode, but there is a bit of it there. One thing I prided myself on when I was a stage manager was knowing my director's favorite candy. I'd bring them some every so often, which made their night. And made the rehearsal process happier. Today is the director's birthday, and I happen to know she loves Twizzlers. So I made her a Twizzler birthday cake.

It's little things like that that make productions so much fun for all involved.

I miss stage managing, but in this season of life, I'm glad I'm not in full-swing stage manager mode. It takes up a lot of brain space. There's simply too many other things for me to fret about. But I am happy to have a little touch of theatre in my life. It's a wonderful outlet.

And besides, there's Twizzler cake!