Our unsung heroes, the people who keep everything running. The folks who are more on top of their game than any theatre artist you’ll ever meet: Stage Managers.
Stage Managers are the spines of the theatre world; without them entire productions would fall apart. This is due in part to their wide array of skills; they’re called upon to do any and almost everything, from repairing costumes in runs, reading in for absent actors in rehearsal, scheduling, administrative and communications work, prop construction…you name it.
I wanted to check in on our stage management friends to see how they were holding up in these anxious and strange times.
Kirsten Elizabeth Parker (She/Her)
- What are some places around the DMV where you’ve Stage Managed?
Over the last ten years I have stage managed at Synetic, Keegan, Faction of Fools, and 1st Stage; and assistant stage managed for Folger and Arena. I currently work as Adventure Theatre MTC’s Production Stage Manager.
- What was the last show you were working on before Covid-19?
Adventure Theatre MTC’s production of The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats, and it actually closed while I was out of town for a family funeral. So, on top of dealing with a lot of emotions already, I couldn’t be with my cast when they were told they would not be doing any more shows. That was hard because those performers are wonderful people.
- How have you been occupying your time?
I am actually still working, for the most part. Adventure is still planning on putting on its summer show, so I’m making sure the design team is still on track in prep for first rehearsal, which is still set for late May. Also scheduling Zoom rehearsals for digital presentations of future plays, coordinating with actors and directors for each piece so that we can bring theatre to our patrons even when they can’t come to our building. Our presentation of On The Wings of a Mariposa by Alvaro Saar Rios is up on our Facebook Page now. It was presented live on Sunday March 29th via Zoom and Facebook Live. We are looking at other titles we can present the same way over the coming weeks.
- Which of your numerous SM skills has proven most handy to you in the quaran-times?
I would say for the most part my ability to stay organized and being accustomed to running my own boards has been helpful. I act as both stage manager and board operator for our digital presentations. Being able to understand pacing has really help in anticipating the coordination of actors’ cameras coming up and going out during the readings, giving the effect that they have left. Very similar to an actor sitting down from their music stand [in a live reading].
- Are there some other creative pursuits you’ve entertained these past few weeks?
I own one of those old school 120 count Crayola Crayons boxes and recently got it out and started coloring. Lots of coloring. I also now have a ballet barre setup in my living room. It helps me keep working out, former ballet dancer turned stage manager here, while my apartment’s gym is closed. I’ve also started working on re-learning French and learning Spanish.
- What do you plan to do once the Coronavirus Crisis is over?
Other than go back to rehearsal and performances as usual, ride the Glen Echo Carousel as soon as it’s open again. Also probably be a tourist in DC and visit all the museums, theatres and monuments I take for granted because I live here.
Paola Vanessa Losada (She/Her)
- What are some places around the DMV where you’ve stage managed?
Some places I have staged managed at are 4615 theatre and Discovery Theatre.
- What was the last show you were working on before Covid-19?
The last show I was SMing was Museum 2040 with 4615 Theatre Company, Hear Me Say My Name with Discovery Theatre and I was getting ready to work with GALA Theatre, and with Synetic Theater on their production of La Vida es Sueño.
- How have you been occupying your time?
I have been reading books and plays. I also have been doing a lot of research. I have also been training. I have taught martial arts for a long time, and I have used this time to prepare my body.
- Which of your numerous SM skills has proven most handy to you in the quaran-times?
Some fundamental skills that have helped me during this quarantine are being organized and my time management skills. I have been able to organize my time and prioritize projects that I have put on the back burner. I have also managed my time by implementing a routine/ schedule for myself.
- Are there some other creative pursuits you’ve entertained these past few weeks?
Throughout this past week, I have delved back into photography and cinematography. I have focused more on film. I also have been baking and cooking more. I plan to help where I am needed.
- What do you plan to do once the Coronavirus Crisis is over?
I hope to reenter the workforce and continue working in various theatres in DC. However, I hope that after corona, all artists can come together with a new appreciation of human connection and how, as humans, we all need each other. I hope to continue the digital work that I have been doing, such as staged readings, recorded movement pieces, etc. I hope to incorporate these digital mediums into the theatrical work that I will be doing.
Alika Codspotl (She/Her)
- What are some places around the DMV where you’ve Stage Managed?
I’ve worked with the Foundry Players and Capital City Players of Washington DC (both are now defunct). Also, Silver Spring Stage, Dominion Stage, Avant Bard, Prince William Little Theatre, Elden Street Players (now NextStop Theatre), and Georgetown Gilbert and Sullivan Society.
I’ve also done a couple of Fringe shows.
- What was the last show you were working on before Covid-19?
Two shows both at Silver Spring Stage: I was doing props for Lobby Hero by Kenneth Lonergan and I was stage managing an adaption of Pride & Prejudice. The Stage is hoping to put up both shows before the end of the year, depending on how Covid progresses.
- How have you been occupying your time?
I’ve mostly been resting. I’ve caught up on chores and done some baking. I’m doing the shopping and food planning for my partner and me. I’ve been watching streaming shows with my partner: Gloria by Brandon Jacobs Jenkins from American Conservatory Theatre and A Midsummer Night’s Dream from American Shakespeare Center. We have a few others planned. We also take walks in our neighborhood while playing Pokémon Go, and we just got Animal Crossing.
On Friday I watched a webinar on software for stage managers and looking for opportunities to learn more. ETC has made their online teaching materials free. There are some colleges with free classes. Things like that.
Finally I’ve been looking for ways to practice self care. In normal times I struggle with anxiety and sleeplessness nights. It’s been worse now. I’ve been trying to do little things to help myself like taking breathing breaks and stretching.
- Which of your numerous SM skills has proven most handy to you in the quaran-times?
I think the things I’m best at are planning and scheduling. I’m meal planning so we know we have food to eat and when we need to shop. I’m planning walking excursions for us since it’s one of the few things we can leave to do. I’m searching for and scheduling shows for us to watch online or other things for us to do. I do this a decent amount anyway but right now I see it as how I can help my partner and me. He’s working full time and therefore supporting us. I want to keep us focused on each other and the things that keep us healthy.
- Are there some other creative pursuits you’ve entertained these past few weeks?
I’ve done some crafts like embroidery and crochet. I watched a play reading organized by a friend. I’ve been considering putting together a private reading or readings myself. My partner and I do that in normal times. We’d like to do that now to stay connected and plan for future projects.
- What do you plan to do once the Coronavirus Crisis is over?
Hopefully find a full time job. I haven’t had one since last June and now it’s hard to look.
I’d also like to find a new theatre company or show that excites me. I’ve been on the board of Silver Spring Stage for several seasons which means much of the work I do is in service of that company. I’d like to do something just for me.
Hope Villanueva (She/Her)
- What are some places around the DMV where you’ve Stage Managed?
I’ve bopped all over town the last few years, most notably at Mosaic Theatre Company, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Imagination Stage, and Olney Theatre Center. I’m also the Production Manager for The Free Theatre, a student-led company that puts on musicals.
- What was the last show you were working on before Covid-19?
I was the resident Production Stage Manager for Rock of Ages Hollywood, a project that had me living bi-coastally. I had been the PSM for the national tour for two years and was invited to head up this new, immersive staging with the original director, choreographer, and many of the original designers from Broadway. It was ridiculously fun, playing in a custom venue modeled after The Bourbon Room, the fictional bar where the show takes place. I was also involved in the development of a musical version of Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion. I was on my way to NYC for a workshop of that show when COVID-19 threw us all into upheaval.
- How have you been occupying your time?
Full disclosure: I’m having a really hard time with this all, which people wouldn’t know if they’ve only been tracking by social media photos. I’ve been doing a ton of baking and cooking, which I’ve always liked. I’m gonna attempt one of the tarte tartans from The Great British Baking Show next and make a killer chocolate cake this week. More importantly, I’m making cloth masks for people in need. It’s kind of become a little cottage industry. At first, I was only taking donations, but with the demand, I’ve started asking for a small fee. The money gets turned around for supplies to make more masks for people who are immuno-compromised and don’t have the means/access and for health professionals. I’ve got contacts with a few nurses and a social worker.
I’m also trying to continue editing some of my plays, as I’m an emerging playwright. I’ve found a few people to give feedback and a company in Montreal, In the Wings Promotions, is assembling an online reading of one. I have a musical that I’m writing with Bill Yanesh, but it’s much harder to push ahead on a musical than a play under these circumstances.
- Which of your numerous SM skills has proven most handy to you in the quaran-times?
Mostly I feel like my SM skills are sitting and becoming stale. The show I managed was really interactive with tons of logistical issues to deal with every day. I obviously can’t run my show right now, but I can’t look for other jobs either since no shows are running.
I have been pretty good about keeping a regular daily schedule, such as it is, and the mask project is pretty big now. I have to track order requests from all over the country, as well as make sure they get delivered or shipped to those people. It feels like an honest obligation. They’re not medical grade, but they are contoured and take some doing. I hope they make people just a bit safer and more confident to be in the world right now.
5.) What do you plan to do once the Coronavirus Crisis is over?
I have no idea right now. I hope that I’ll have a production to go back to, but none of us know what is next with any certainty. All I can hope for is that the theatre will still have a place for me when this is all over.
