Who we are
Jen and Jo are 2006 grads who started stage managing while attending Messiah College.  They both have different methods of stage management and have found their unique experiences to have helped them develop their skills in different ways.  Neither Jen nor Jo have restricted their theatre participation to just stage management, and they encourage all students to get as much experience in other areas of theatre to get a better understanding of “the process.”  Best of luck from the both of us on your future stage management endeavors.  Ps: we’re pretty cool cats, so this could be fun!

Why we do what we do…
Jen: I ask myself that every time I enter the first pre-production meeting.  Stage Management is difficult and underappreciated by all but those who have done it themselves.  Regardless of this, I still find myself returning to a few simple reasons for loving this profession that requires dedication and work ethic out the ying yang. 

1. I love theatre.  I love the preparation and time it requires from so many different people to create truly imaginative productions.
2. Organization and I rarely hang out.  We’re more of acquaintances that awkwardly wave, “Hi” as we pass each other on the side walk.  For the three month’s out of the year that I Stage Manage, I know where my keys are. Actors will ask, “Jen, do you know what we’re doing tonight?”  My reply, “Why yes actor, I do know what’s going on.  Please, let me inform you.”  I am allowed to be OCD about my highlighter and the fact that I only have wooden pencils as opposed to mechanical pencils to use for rehearsal, and for the love of all that is good could an ASM please find me the correct pencil!!!!
3. I am by nature nosey and inquisitive.  I like to know everyone else’s business before they do.  Stage Management is an environment that lets my psychotic tendencies flourish.  I get to be in charge.
4. I am good at what I do.  I’ve ASM’d three Messiah College productions and SM’d two.  I also spent the summer of ’05 working as one of eight Stage Management interns at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.
5. Black is a very flattering color.  (You still get to wear it, even in the booth!)

Jo:  Jo has ASM’d and SM’d several shows while attended Messiah College as well as professional work at the Ohio Light Opera.  Ok, bio is done… why do I like stage management?  It is tough… why???  Well, I love organizing and motivating a team of people to accomplish a goal (really, just in theatre).  There is something extremely rewarding about knowing that the work you are doing is critical to a production.  I also have found that  I have great respect for good work ethic and people who can bust their butts for the glory of someone else (lets be real, SM’s get no glory).  Basically, through experience I have learned that I can handle this difficult job and enjoy it, so I do it!   …I may also find some kind of sick pleasure in a REALLY well swept stage…