Stage Managing 101

[pherank]

On the SFB blog there's a good starter article regarding stage managing...it left me wanting to know even more:

http://www.sfballetblog.org/2013/06/stage-managing-101/#more-6754

By Jane Green
Stage Manager for San Francisco Ballet
June 25, 2013

[sandik]

Thanks so much for the link -- as a former stage manager, I'm always pleased to see the position get some attention. (and I thought it was interesting that Ms Green is from the University of Washington, in my home town! I'm not sure if it's a trend, but Pacific Northwest Ballet has often had female stage managers.)

[bart]

Yes, thank you for the link. As with you, it left me wanting to "know more" about the complete process. Audiences seem to be fascinated by the workings of the backstage -- to wit, the many audience members who sit through the complete, and lengthy back-stage intermission scenes at the Met HD/Live. So many just watch, without moving, without talking,

As a one-time super in a large-scale Nutcracker, I was able to observe from a number of angles the things that Ms. Green writes about. But I would have loved to hear her (or other stage manager) talk about what actually is being done. Opening up the behind-the-curtain world of stage managing, design, lighting, sets and costumes is something ballet companies should do more of.

[Mme. Hermine]

_{Boston Ballet has had a few female stage managers and even a couple where the wife was the stage manager and the husband the house manager.}

[LiLing]

Starting in the 70s, Maxine Glorsky was Production stage manager for Martha Graham for many years. She also worked with Glen Tetley's co, DTH and many others.

[pherank]

Yes, thank you for the link. As with you, it left me wanting to "know more" about the complete process. Audiences seem to be fascinated by the workings of the backstage -- to wit, the many audience members who sit through the complete, and lengthy back-stage intermission scenes at the Met HD/Live. So many just watch, without moving, without talking,

It's a fascinating subject, but seems little documented. For some reason your comment made me think of "Road Construction" videos which were all the rage among parents a few years back - for some reason children (especially boys) will sit transfixed and watch open-mouthed as earth movers, bulldozers and the like move earth about and build a road. I've seen this same effect myself with a number of friend's children. So why not have a "backstage at the Met" video? ;) We can all "just watch, without moving, without talking".

From the backstage comes 'deus ex machina', and we are rightly fascinated.

[sandik]

We loved the Road Construction Ahead video, and the one about air travel!

Take a look at "Sing Faster," which is a backstage view of the Met's Ring Cycle. Their pocket synopsis of the plot is pretty special!

[pherank]

This is great Sandik - thanks! I have a friend who used to be involved in film industry stage and prop work (he's since moved up a bit), I know he would love to see this...

[Paul Parish]

Sandik, I thank you, too. that was marvelous.

I saw that production, and I'll NEVER forget when the dragon emerged form the mists. Real theater magic.

[sandik]

It is big fun -- we're getting ready for the Ring in Seattle, so I've been listening in bits and pieces. Though probably I should be training like a marathon

[pherank]

Strange, but funny, little animation: Stagehand VS Pit Musician (no doubt based on many real lilfe exchanges)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUNHHmrX5sA