SMA Presents 'Theater - A View From The Wings' 11/8

For the first time in its 25-year existence, The Stage Managers' Association will host an all-day conference entitled, 'Theater - A View From the Wings: Conversations with Directors, General Managers and Stage Managers' on Monday, November 8th beginning at 10 AM at Connolly's Klub 45 at 121 West 45th Street in Manhattan.

Highlighting the unique role that professional theatrical stage managers play in a production - straddling as they do the creative and technical aspects of a show - the day-long conference will feature a series of panel discussions that explore the changes in producing theater today and how those changes effect the artistic process and the day-to-day life of a show.

'Theatre- A View From the Wings' panels include:

'Relationship of the General Manager and the Stage Manager' will represent the perspective of both stage managers and general managers: how stage managers can simultaneously protect both the business needs and artistic interests of a production, and the significant changes that have occurred in both roles in the industry over the past decade. Panelists will include general manager/producers Charlotte Wilcox (WEST SIDE STORY, DROWSY CHAPERONE and DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS amongst 70 Broadway shows), Ben Sprecher (Robert Fall's AMERICAN BUFFALO, ODD COUPLE with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick,and Lucille Lortell and Promedade Theaters) and Peter Bogyo (GM for many Sprecher shows).

'The Stage Manager and the Director' will explore the unique relationship between the stage manager and director, including the artistic maintenance of a long-running show, and how Stage Managers represent the Director's interests after the show has opened. This panel will feature Sheryl Kaller (director of Broadway's NEXT FALL and Off Broadway's ADRIFT IN MACAO, and the upcoming DANGEROUS BEAUTY at the Pasadena Playhouse) and Timothy Douglas (former associate artistic director of Actors' Theater of Louisville, director of the world premiere of RADIO GOLF for Yale Repertory and countless other shows across the country).

'The Stage Manager and the New Media Technology' will look at the benefits and challenges to productions in recent years, and will feature innovators in this emerging industry. The panel will be moderated by David Grindle, Executive Director of USITT.

The day will include a networking lunch, and end with a cocktail reception featuring the presentation of Del Hughes Award for Lifetime Achievement in Stage Management to Susie Cordon (revivals of EQUUS and AMADEUS) , Alan Hall (Tony Awards, SWEENEY TODD) and Porter Van Zandt (The Acting Company).

The cost of admission is $30 and $45 (includes lunch).To register, go to http://stagemanagers.eventbrite.com. For more information call 212-864-7762.