Thank You, Places...Production Stage Manager LIZ FLETCHER

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 Liz Fletcher, one of Tennessee's finest:

What was your first stage management gig? And your most recent? My first stage management gig was Medea if ASM counts but as the SM, it was Sleepy Hollow at MTSU. My most recent gig would have to be the stage reading of Part of the Plan which is being produced by TPAC in September! I was the stage manager, but Teresa Driver was the Production Stage Manager - I love her!

How did you get into stage managing to begin with? Honestly, when I was a kid, I was obsessed with "behind the scenes" things and videos and when I went to Motlow [State Community College], they were doing a couple shows and needed organization so I really started there, but it wasn't traditional stage management, if you will, so I don't really count those shows as my first SM gigs. I love being the "mama bear" behind the scenes!

What's the biggest misconception most people have about stage managers? I know every stage manager says this, even if they're like this themselves but I'd have to say mean. Now, I have come across my fair share of "mean" stage managers before but we aren't all like that! At least I hope people don't consider me that way!

What's your favorite "the show must go on" moment?
Oh man! So many to choose from but I'd have to say Cabaret in 2013 from then Tennessee Rep, now Nashville Rep, of course. Let's see, so many moments to choose from with that one show, in particular, but I'd have to say the funniest was when Marin Miller and Martha Wilkinson were dancing along backstage to Jenny Littleton singing "Perfectly Marvelous." The set consisted of two turntables on either side but the stage right one was where Jenny and Patrick were onstage. The wall behind their scene was "Kit Kat Klub" written out in bulbs. Long story short, Marin slipped and grabbed onto one of the bulbs out of pure reaction to not fall further and it broke three or four in a row. As the song was coming to an end, I had to first check on Marin and get her band aids, quickly grab pliers, unscrew all the broken ones, sweep the area (safety first!) and screw in the new bulbs as the turn table was turning back around and had to ninja roll off the set. It was absolutely terrifying, yet invigorating, and I had to pop up, run to the other side to pull open the curtain for the "Two Ladies" reveal. I don't think I had ever moved that fast, or quietly in my life!

How do you prepare for a new production? Even before auditions or rehearsals start? First, I like to get with the director and find out their expectations because every director is different! Then I like to get the script, and makes copies, and I always make three extra copies because they always come in handy! I know this may be a no-no, but I never read the script ahead of time, I find it too boring (all theatre folk gasp!) and I have too much other stuff on my mind to ever focus, plus I have to watch it for a month straight anyway! I go to staples and grab a new binder, and other nerdy (but what I find to be fun) things (pens, highlighters, post-its, etc.) - doing that makes me pumped for each show because I really get my kicks from organization. I can mentally switch gears very easily so I never really need a "rest" period.

What's the most outlandish thing ever asked of you as a stage manager? This one is easy: I had to set up an entire PA system by myself in the middle of summer for an outside show at Centennial. I'd have to get there at 3-4pm every day just to get it all done in time by 6 p.m.!

To post a comment, you must register and login.