Statement

When I entered high school, I made sure to enroll in a theatre class. I quickly realized that theatre encompasses so many different types of creative arts, and I was fascinated with all of them. Wanting to learn how the process of combining all these unique talents happened, I applied to be the assistant stage manager for the first production that was scheduled. As a freshman, not knowing anything about theatre, or about what the position would entail, I was nervous that I might not be selected due to my inexperience. 

Fear and excitement filled me when I was awarded the position. My theatre teacher, and head stage manager, took me under their wing almost immediately. They patiently taught me about the various departments, and how their working together made magic happen. How hair, makeup, costumes, set design/construction, props, lighting, and sound have to carefully collaborate, execute ideas, and constructively compromise throughout the rehearsal process to take a script to stage. Being an assistant stage manager, having the unique advantage of being involved with each department at some point, I got to appreciate the nuances of each art form. I became more and more entranced as ideas that were once on paper, came to life, making my director’s vision a reality. The jubilation that I felt on opening night, knowing all the hard work and dedication was finally going to be displayed for all who attended to see was overwhelming. The curtain drawing open for the first scene gave me such a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. As the curtain closed on our last performance, the hugs and tears amongst the cast and crew began, and an immense feeling of pride took over me. Over the previous weeks, we had become a team, worked towards a common goal, and executed it brilliantly. 

There’s no better feeling in the world than successfully bringing a director’s vision to life. It was with that first production, that I knew. This is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Since that first production, I have gone on to become head stage manager for productions over the past three years. With each one, I fall more in love with theatre and all that happens with bringing a production to life. Even though I have worked in various departments in theatre throughout the past few years, stage managing is the one that I always eagerly await returning to. It has given me a direction, purpose, and drive that nothing else in my life has ever given me.

My plans after college are really dependent on where life takes me. I do know I want to go on to do something related to theatre, whether it is local community theatre, on movie sets, or even the big dream, working in a Broadway theatre. It does not have to spefically be stage management, just the involvment of making the show come to life is what bring me so much joy and happiness.