The whole concept of authority and taking orders can be (fairly) easily lightened up by thinking of it -- and explaining it -- in terms of job description instead of rank, which is where writing things down can help. The actors have a specific job description, the director has one, the choreographer, the designers, and so on.
I've been reminded of this many times in lots of different fields. For instance, I joined a local Civil Air Patrol squadron some months ago and have been working my way through a ton of material you have to study in order to qualify for the various positions available. Although we use the military rank levels, they are considered "grades" instead of "ranks," and they are totally dependent on your job description, your ratings, and your length of service. So it's not unusual, like in my squadron, to have a captain be in command and have higher-grade people report to him. This is because the captain's rating is in Command and some of the higher-grade people's ratings are in aviation, i.e., pilots who've been there longer. It's about job descriptions and being part of a team, not about rank and barking orders. And it works very well.
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George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.comwww.georgefledo.nethttp://astore.amazon.com/sdtbookstore-20------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2018 10:56
From: Christopher Hamilton
Subject: Conflict Resolution for Student Stage Managers
This is something that my student stage managers have struggled with in the past. It is very difficult for students to be in a position where they have to have authority over their friends and peers. I've seen it cause problems, and even end friendships. What I learned to do, as a director, is try to nip it in the bud from the very beginning. In the very first rehearsal, I lay out a specific set of expectations and responsibilities for the student actors and the student stage managers. Clearly defined roles are crucial. I explain to the student actors that the stage manager is second to me (or vocal director or assistant director if their is one) and that I have empowered them to be my voice when I am not present. They are to treat them with the same respect and authority they would give to me, but that if there are problems, they can come to me about it. When it comes to the student stage managers themselves I like to remind them that it is often not easy for students to take orders from other students, especially their friends. I tell them to be patient but firm, try not to get too frustrated, and remain calm (easier said than done, I know). During rehearsal or performances, they wear their stage manager hat, so to speak. Afterwards, they can take it off and return to the role of peer or friend.
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Christopher Hamilton
Drama Teacher
Kennewick WA
Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2018 09:25
From: Nate Netzley
Subject: Conflict Resolution for Student Stage Managers
Hello SchoolTheatre Open Forum!
I've been teaching a workshop at some of the state conferences and the ITF over the past year called "Stage Management for the Actor." In it, I share what I learned about stage management from my time graduating with a BFA in Acting and transitioning into a director/stage manager. The response has been great overall but one question I get and I would love teacher input on this is regarding conflict resolution.
As I was a stage manager for a professional theatre, there was already established respect for my position and the work I needed to do. A lot of students ask what to do when their peers do not respect them as stage manager or attempt to undercut their authority. At this time in my workshop, I open it up to discussion with more established student stage managers in the room and they give very helpful answers.
My recommendation to the students is to approach the people in question one-on-one and be as empathetic as possible. I also recommend that any recurring problems they should put in the rehearsal report so that they can have a written record of events. Finally, I say that they should ask their teacher/director to help with conflict resolution if all else fails. But I wanted to see what recommendations that you all have.
Thank you!
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Nate Netzley
Teaching Artist
New York NY
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