As SM, you're responsible for bringing together the artistic and technical sides of the production and seeing those visions through the production. You and your assistant stage managers work with the director in auditions, casting, and rehearsals, and work with the director and technical director to put together the technical side of the show. Then, starting tech weekend, you integrate the two and move the cast and crew through the dress rehearsals. When the show opens, you make it happen: from the dimming of house lights to the final curtain call, you run the show.
Sure, it's a lot of work, but it's rewarding: by the end of the show, you could read all the lines, call all the lighting cues, and dance every number in a special one-person performance (don't try this at home). But you also know everyone in the cast and crew and have an intimacy with the show that few others do. You may not have slept in 142 hours, but you'll never forget being stage manager, no matter how much therapy you have. If you don't believe me, then read what past stage managers have to say:
- "I'm sorry, but Ms. Moffat cannot speak with you right now. Visiting hours at the Waterloo Sanatorium are from 10am to 3pm Monday to Thursday." — Erin Moffat (2001, 2005)
- "I don't know what you're talking about. I've never heard of this 'FASS' thing and even if I had I certainly wouldn't have been stage manager. Nope. Uh-unh. No way." — Jim Peltier (2004)
- "My therapist says I shouldn't talk about that time in my life." — Steve Sangster (2003)
- "After being stage manager for FASS, lots of exciting leadership opportunities opened up for me, like the job of FASS President." — Douglas Stebila (2002)
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