Emily: Cue to Cue

For the next several weeks, different cast and crew members of our talented Signature in the Schools program will be taking over our blog. Check back for frequent updates to get an inside track on their process ad mindset with our latest production, Hero Worship!

Today we hear from our lovely and talented Stage Manager, Emily. A four year Signature in the Schools veteran, Emily has worked her way up the stage management ladder thanks to the valuable experience she has obtained through the program.

Emily is on book and ready to go.

When I auditioned for the Signature in the Schools program my freshman year I had no idea what a stage managers job was.  That year I joined the program as an Assistant Stage Manager and learned all about the job and its responsibilities.  I loved every part of stage management and felt that it was the best way I could use the skills I have in theatre.  Thanks to the Signature in the Schools program I continued to work on productions and have since decided to pursue a career in stage management in college.  I am now a full blown Stage Manager on my fourth Signature in the Schools production. 

                Signature in the Schools has absolutely changed my life in a way I never could have imagined.  This unique opportunity has given me a newfound confidence and taught me so many things.  From learning information covered in boot camp to different experiences encountered in rehearsals, everyday at Signature presents a new challenge.  I have not been treated with this much respect or given this much responsibility anywhere else.  The chance to work in a professional environment as a high school student has truly been a blessing in my life.  Although this is the last year I am able to participate in the program I know I can look forward to continue working in theatre because I feel Signature has properly prepared me to do so.  

Hero Worship performs March 10th and March 17th at 8:00 PM. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. To reserve seats, call 703-820-9771. Reservations are available beginning February 10th.

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Emily: Un-American ASM backstage at Hairspray.

Emily, a sophomore at Wakefield High School, returns to Signature in the Schools for the second consecutive year as assistant stage manager with Un-American. To help prepare them for their roles in Un-American, both our stage manager and assistant stage manager had the privilege of shadowing the SM and ASM of Hairspray during a performance. Assistant stage manager, Emily, reflects on her experience. Be sure to see Hairspray now extended through February 5th and Un-American, performing for the public on February 6th and 7th.

Emily hard at work during a rehearsal

How was your experience shadowing the assistant stage manager of Hairspray during a performance?          

Hairspray is one of my favorite musicals so when I heard that Signature in the Schools would be using the Hairspray stage I already was so excited!  After seeing their amazing performance I was even more excited to get the wonderful opportunity to shadow the Assistant Stage Manager during one of their performances.  I had a really great time getting to see everything that goes on backstage before, during and after the show.  I learned more about the job of an Assistant Stage Manager through questions I asked and information told to me by the person I shadowed.  For example, she told me about her responsibilities during rehearsals and I learned how they differed from mine.  

What did you take from this experience and how can this help you as ASM for Un-American?

It was a valuable learning experience to get to see the job and responsibilities of an Assistant Stage Manager during a live performance.  Not only were my questions answered, but I got to see the stage in use.  Every stage is different at Signature and it really helped me as the Assistant Stage Manager to spend time backstage during a show and see how this stage works.  Also, I got to see the layout of the props list that they used during the pre-set of the show.  This gave me an idea of something I could put together to help with our show.  This experience will improve my performance as an Assistant Stage Manager for Un-American.  

I really appreciate getting this opportunity and the time and courtesy given to me by the Assistant Stage Manager that I shadowed and others backstage. 

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