The following is an interview by Kerry Lynch with Nicole Blackman, a New Zealand Stage Manger for the production of The Importance of Being Earnest in March 2010.

“What are the key roles of being a Stage Manger (SM)?

My main role is to facilitate. The Stage Manager is the central person for the whole production. All departments from the actors, designers, administration and publicity go through the SM, so a key responsibility is communication. I have to anticipate the needs of the rehearsal room as well as keeping track of all the information that comes out of rehearsals and distributing it to the appropriate departments within the company. I am also responsible for ensuring the safety and well being of the cast.

What preparation and tasks did you need to complete prior to the start of rehearsals for Earnest?

1. I did a ‘who/what/where’ list. I went through the script and created a spreadsheet with every page number and notated which character (with what costume and prop) is present on every single page. This is very useful to get the script into my head, and it is great in rehearsals when the director says go to page 60 because I know exactly what prop is required for each character.
2. I drew up a rehearsal schedule and a spreadsheet with the contact names and details of the forty plus people involved in this production.
3. I also made sure that all creative’s (designers) and performers had scripts.
4. I had to mark up the rehearsal room from the set plans and obtain rehearsal props and setup the tea and coffee.”

This is a very interesting interview and I feel I can take a lot from it and apply it to my own role of Stage Manager for The Trial. What I found particularly interesting was Blackman’s emphasis on the importance of communication. From working with STAMP Theatre for a week I can already really appreciate why good communication between all company members is important. Without it confusion arises and can stop other people from being able to complete their own roles successfully. I was also very impressed with the organisation skills Blackman presented, especially before rehearsals began. Her idea of creating a spreadsheet with the contact details of all the company members is something I have done myself. This means if any cast member does not turn up for rehearsal without forewarning the director I have the necessary details to get in contact with them. Using spread sheets and tables is also helpful not only for the Stage Managers organisation but also for the company as a whole. As Blackman did I too drew up a rehearsal schedule and then I forwarded it to the company in advance to make everyone aware as soon as possible to when the rehearsals would be.

I have found this interview very thought provoking. It has underlined my opinion of the importance of communication and organisation within a company, which are skills I will continue to use throughout this production.

Thanks for reading,

Larissa

Xxx

Work Cited

Lynch, Kerry (2010) ‘Kerry Lynch ATC Blog. Stage Manger Interview’ New Zealand Journal of Research in Performing Arts & Education: Nga Mahi a Rehia; p.p 4-4