Educating Rita

The production and my role:

Educating Rita appeared on the autumn line-up as the week 2 weekend show, with performances from Oct. 3rd-5th, 2025.

As stage manager, I worked with a budget to source props and some set-dressing for Frank's office. I worked alongside the set designer to allocate responsibilities on sourcing as there was a lot of overlap between our departments. I created a colour coordinated document to do so, which included a part that dictated what we worked together to create during the production week on. An example of this was creating hand-written essays for Frank's desk, and papers/pictures for his cork board. There were certain books that had to be purchased, some of which were found, and others which we printed covers for to put on other books due to budget. As a two-hander play, there wasn't a lot of action happening backstage that I had to organise, a lot of my work was in pre-setting props. I worked with actors to ensure they knew what was where, and had conversations if they found other placements would be more helpful. It was a constant dialogue to make sure the show was fluid. Around his office, Frank has numerous whiskey bottles hidden around, so I made sure to always have a run through of what was where with the actor, and showing him back-up whiskey storages. As stated, managing the backstage of this show was relatively simple as there was no set changes, and no actors backstage. I did, however, help with minimal costume changes and the handing off of props, but besides this hoped all my presets were correct! I really enjoyed working with this incredible team!