Chelsea Atkins
These Shining Lives
PA 201 Focused Paper
These Shining Lives, by Melanie Marnich, was a drama performed by the
Clemson Players, that I had the opportunity to Assistant Stage Manage. I was
present at every rehearsal and was able to see the cast progress through character
work and the directing process. Stage Management is a thankless but essential job.
My theatrical area of interest is in acting, but I think it is important for actors to
experience the technical side of theatre as well. I now will have the upmost respect
for stage managers after experiencing the hard work and dedication required by
them.
I was assistant to Erin Martin, who was the head stage manager. One of us
attended every rehearsal. It is important for stage managers to know the show
backwards and forwards and always be present for any questions from actors,
directors and design team members. Although Erin was the go-to-girl and called the
shots, it was important I was just as informed as she was in case she was unable to
attend a rehearsal or show. This was essential half way through the rehearsal
process when Erin became sick and I had to step up and keep her blocking notes and
do rehearsal reports for the week.
During the performances I arrived two hours before the show to help set up
the stage and assist the actors. Getting the stage ready included putting the center
sections of the set together and securing them, putting out props, and shining glow
tape with LED lights. I also helped to properly placed microphones on the actors
and checked battery power before, during and after the show. During intermission
I helped change the set and props, and again put LED lights on the glow tape. Chairs
were added to the stage at this time and most of the detailing was taken away from
Chelsea Atkins
These Shining Lives
PA 201 Focused Paper
the workstations to give the stage a more barren look. I gave actors time warnings
and was responsible for the five actors that began the second half on stage right.
One of my duties was to use Clear Com to call down to the dressing rooms
and let the actors know how much time they had until sound checks and show time.
This was probably my favorite thing to do because I would say silly things to help
them relax and came up with my own “Shining Lives Airlines” concept, which was a
running joke for the week of the show. When the actors were not in the dressing
rooms I had to make sure to find them and give them time warnings too. When the
Stage Manager called “Places” I always communicated this with each actor and make
sure everyone was back stage and ready.
Another one of my duties was too make the food necessary for the picnic
scene. I made chicken salad by mixing canned chicken, mayonnaise, and relish. One
of the actors did not like mayo so I made her sandwich with hummus. Then I would
cut the sandwiches diagonally and wrapped them in brown paper, label them and
put them in the picnic basket. One batch of chicken salad would last two shows so I
would cover and store the left over in the green room kitchen for the next
performance. It was important to remembered to take the uneaten sandwich parts
out of the basket following the show to make sure they did not spoil and smell.
My post was on stage right throughout the performance and I would
communicate with the stage manager when actors needed to be cued or cleared
from the stage. The soundboard operator also would communicate with me if any
microphones were being troublesome and I would check them and change batteries
or switch packs if needed. One show specifically, Teresa McClernon, who played
Chelsea Atkins
These Shining Lives
PA 201 Focused Paper
Francis, was having a great deal of trouble with her microphone and only had a
minute off stage for a large chunk of the show. During that minute I changed out her
microphone pack and made sure the batteries were at full power and the cord was
secure.
When the show ended I immediately helped the performers take off their
microphones so they could go into the lobby and greet audience members. A black
light check was then done on the set to find any glowing paint that may have been
rubbed off by Kaylee, who played Catherine. The paint was used to make her hands
glow, but in order to have the lighting trick play off naturally she had to go about
acting as if paint was not on her hands. This meant smudges got on the set and her
dress. I removed any paint that I could distinguish by rubbing vigorously with a
white cloth. After this I helped clear all props and costume pieces from the stage and
put everything on racks or in the prop box. Lastly, I assisted in taking out the center
stage pieces so that the fire curtain could be brought down onto the stage.
My over all experience with the show was frustrating. I was amazed at the
rudeness of some of the actors. I was there to help make the show run smoothly and
to take stress off the actors by giving them time warnings and helping with anything
else they needed, but I got attitudes from some rather than appreciation. This has
taught me how important it is to show respect to the crew because they are such
help during a run. Now I always remember to thank the stage managers when they
give me time warnings or other important information. I am glad I had the chance to
be on the other side of a production and see the work that the individuals dressed in
black carry out.