Thank You, Places...Production Stage Manager BENJI KERN

What's a stage manager? What do they do? What's their job? Seriously. Perhaps no job in the theater is as hard to define as that of a production stage manager and it's that blend of mystery, fear and total dependence that makes actors, directors, crew members, producers - you name it! - hold a really great stage manager in total awe and to revile someone who is (how do you say it, without offending anyone?) less than stellar in their position?

According to Wikipedia, "Stage management is the practice of organizing and coordinating a theatrical production. It encompasses a variety of activities, including organizing the production and coordinating communications between various personnel (e.g., between director and backstage crew, or actors and production management)." And that's a pretty good definition, to be sure.

However, it doesn't quite do justice to the amazing stage managers who can make a good production a great one. As they ride herd over everyone connected to a show, while maintaining the integrity of what has been created, the stage manager's responsibilities are many and varied, and by the wave of a hand or the pointed gesticulation of a colored marker or highlighter, they can work miracles that oftentimes save a production from certain failure.

Yet despite their magical powers and all the wizardry they can summon at any particular moment, stage managers seldom get the attention, the adulation or the respect they so richly deserve...because they are simply so good at their job that they seamlessly move from one task to the next, one project to the next that they don't call attention to their awesomeness.

With this - our latest regular feature - we hope to rectify that and shine the spotlight on the individuals who make the shows run with the precision of a Swiss timepiece. Thank You, Places... is our opportunity to edify the theater-goer by introducing you to some of the best production stage managers to be found on the planet.

Today, we introduce you to PSM Benji Kern, who has worked with numerous theater companies around Nashville, one of Tennessee's finest, who is currently shepherding Studio Tenn's 2017 production of The Battle of Franklin, an original musical first mounted during 2016 by the company.

Matt Logan, Studio Tenn's artistic director, praised Kern's skill, saying he has "the mind of a producer," and admitting, "I'd be in the grave if it wasn't for him."

What was your first stage management gig and what is your most recent? My first stage management gig was my high school production of L'il Abner. I was a 13-year-old freshman and my best friend recommended me to the high school drama teacher who called me in for an interview. I had no clue what stage management was, but I thought "Well, maybe this will be fun." Little did I know that I would make it a career. Most recently I worked on Spamalot and The Cash Legacy here at Studio Tenn Theater Company.

How did you get into stage managing to begin with? I fell into stage management in high school by accident and continued to work and get paid by community theaters prior to college. I knew when I got to college I wanted to direct and produce theater but ironically went to school for design in theater (scenic, costumes, etc.) When I was in New York, I worked for a company in producing that in a twist of fate gave me my Equity Card which led to touring and eventually landed me at Studio Tenn.

What are the biggest misconceptions about Stage Managers? What a question! A lot of people are shocked by stage managers that have bold personalities. I once had a director say to me, "You have a sense of humor and are really funny for a stage manager." I responded: "Yeah, I'm probably funnier than you."

What's your favorite "the show must go on" moment? In a production that I shall not name, both swings were in and the production was still down an ensemble member. So (because it was a state of emergency) I went in for part of an ensemble track in front of an audience of 2,000, as well as ran the deck for the show. I have a bucket of odd stories...but I think that takes the cake.

How do you prepare for a new production, event before auditions or rehearsals start? At this point, I have a checklist of things that would be too long and boring to share. But what I will say is it's like clockwork. Lots of documents and templates to prepare. But the first step is always reading the script.

What is the most outlandish thing ever asked of you as a stage manager? Haha! I've literally given the shirt off my back to an actor. So...I guess I'm super giving.

Why should people come see The Battle of Franklin? The Battle of Franklin is a story about family and unity. It's a story about sharing the bond of humanity which transcends any conflict manifested by our own fears and insecurities. There is a misconception in our current political state that this is a show "pushing an agenda." If pushing the concepts of compassion, forgiveness, and "love thy neighbor" are an agenda, then maybe it's one we can all agree on.

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