When I'm not writing for Odyssey, being a student, or just in general, kicking life's butt, I work as a production stage manager for a theatre company in town. We're kind of the unsung heroes behind the scenes as the show goes on. The light cue that blew your mind? Thank the stage manager. Yo, Elphaba, you want to be lifted a bajillion feet up in the air by rope? Totally the work of the stage manager. But, stage management is not a glamorous job, by any stretch of the imagination. I've realized though, as a stage manager, that the thing I do the least of (and should do more) is stage manage one very important event: my own life. This is all about how to be the production stage manager of your own life so when you have those moments, you can pull out your mental stage manager tool kit and mend the problem.
First, as a stage manager, I've learned that I'm not afraid to assert myself. My biggest fear is to offend and for the longest time, I equated assertiveness with offensiveness, as I know being assertive would ruffle a few feathers. This is something that as a stage manager, you have to do. It's just a part of the job. Times are going to change and people are not going to be happy about it. Things are not going to go according to plan, and you have to roll with those particular punches. But, the most important thing you have to do is assert yourself. Stand up for what you believe in, ask the questions you believe are important, and don't be afraid to fall flat on your ass. It's good for you. Builds character.
As a stage manager, I've learned the importance of keeping yourself organized. I'm still a fairly disorganized person, but as a stage manager, I've learned that it's alright to be disorganized, but you have to learn a way that will work for you in order to work toward that ultimate organizational goal. Yes, I do have a new affinity for clicky pens and three-ring binders, what's it to you? Don't be afraid to make mistakes in this field, stage manager. Sometimes, time will get the better of you and you'll forget to send that crucial email, or write that rehearsal report, or contact that actor ASAP when you promised them you would ASAP. Sometimes you have to wait as soon as I get some sleep. Life will go on and you'll still be okay.
The thing that I think is the most important thing I learned is not to take yourself too seriously. Do the job you know you have to do and do it well. Do it really well. Do it so remarkably well that 75 years ago from now Stage Manager You will give you the most rickety high-five you've ever experienced. But, just like life, take it in stride and have a sense of humor. Taking yourself way too seriously is the way to a quicker demise. Laugh off some situations, have a sense of humor, and know that sometimes, it's not your cross to bear. Like water off a duck's back, sometimes you just have to let it roll off of you and move on. I've had nights where I feel like I've been two steps behind everyone else and the world is just imploding. But, that's where the power of friends, family, and a stupid good amount of food cart Thai food come into play. Cherish the moments and the people in those moments that make your job bearable. I know I have this run of show.
And also, don't forget to thank people. I thank everyone. I know I don't need to all the time. But, sometimes, people just need to hear "Thank you" and it changes the trajectory of their day. So, thank the stage managers in your life. The ones who move Heaven and Earth to make magic happen. The ones who remember the thing you mentioned casually in passing when you need to hear that thing the most. The ones who will use their lighthearted nature to brighten your day and change your experience. Those are the folks you need in your corner. They say that it's crucial in theatre to find your light so the audience can see you. Same goes for life: when you're struggling to find your light, find a stage manager. They know what to do.
