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THE STAGE MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK
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It was towards the end of Act II during a production of The Sound of Music. The lights grew dim upstage of the scrim, as the scenery began to move. Franz, the butler, was coming off stage with a café table on casters, and he was almost into the wing, when the porch floor beneath him began to move - a second too soon. Suddenly the table was tipped onto it’s side, and a silver tray of food, a water pitcher (filled) and fifteen (glass) champagne glasses were crashing down the steps and onto the stage. The sounds of the glasses breaking still rings in my head, as I think of the moment it happened. Immediately, I looked over at the Stage Manager, who had indeed, called the cue early. She was calm, focused, and pleasantly asking the Music Director to “vamp” a little while the mess was cleaned up. I was impressed.
It is not possible to teach a Stage Manager how to deal with that kind of situation. No one can teach another (or write in a handbook about) how to have the composure, understanding, patience and flexibility that a Stage Manager needs. These are qualities that are either innate in a person or are acquired through first hand experience. As a Stage Manager for the Department of Drama and Dance for three years I have experienced a great deal. I have made mistakes, I have asked a lot of questions and I have learned by watching and by “doing.”
LINDA MARCELLO - Personal Name
NONE
1-143
Management
English
December 1998
1-143
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