10% Show 90% Business

Today I heard some shocking news.  My mentor told me – very casually – that he plans on stepping away from Stage Managing.  Permanently.  Why?  Because of the lack of professionalism in a lot of today’s theatre.

My work-related headaches are usually due to unprofessional Designers.  Designers who don’t read the script; Designers who don’t read the rehearsal reports; Designers who don’t attend Designer Run Throughs or Production Meetings; Designers who expect Stage Management to do their job for them (and yes, I’ve pulled the “It’s against my contract to find/build/make props, I’m AEA” So sue me, that’s what unions are for.).

I think the last straw for my mentor has been this lack of professionalism from Designers.  Oh, the stories I could tell you about the spats I’ve gotten into with a past Props Mistress.  [“List says ‘raw pork’, but I bought fishsticks.”  “BUT THE LINE REFERS TO HIM EATING RAW PORK.”  “What?  Why?  That makes no sense” “READ THE SCRIPT; IT’S ABSURDEST!!!”]

One of the hardest things I’ve done is working in Repertory Theatre.  Juggling 6 original (and constantly changing) shows in simultaneous rehearsals can be daunting for a Design Team.  No doubt.  But, if you can’t handle the pressure, don’t apply for the job.   It seems that older and experienced designers are moving up, moving on, or retiring.  The past year while working, I’ve noticed not only more women designers (woo-hoo) but significantly younger designers as well.  Unfortunately, these younger designers – even the ones from the Ivy League Schools – have displayed an appalling lack of professionalism.

photo credit

When one designer slacks off or gets behind, it affects the entire design team.  Let’s say a Scenic Designer gets behind and rehearsals have started.  Effects:  The TD can’t build without finalized plans.  The Props Mistress can’t purchase furniture when she has no idea what it’s supposed to look like.  The Costume Designer can’t start because she doesn’t know what color the set will be. The Lighting Designer has no idea what he’s supposed to light. The DIRECTOR can’t stage the shows because there is no ground plan. And the Stage Manager because incredibly frustrated, because it feels like everyone – including the actors – are just wasting time on extended (and unnecessary) table work because everyone’s waiting on what the Set will look like.

“She’s young.  She’s green” Again, I hear, “No offense, but it may have something to do with your generation.”  I’ll be the first one to tell you that sometimes I want nothing to do with “my” generation.  I’m 24.  I hear these excuses concerning people as old as 30.  I can handle my job.  If you didn’t get the training necessary to do your job from college and/or grad school, try an internship.  I believe there are talented people out there who deserve your position, but for some reason can’t seem to get their first break.

“I would rather do something I hate, than hate something I love.”  This from a frustrated professional who has seen the decline in professionalism the industry has suffered from younger and inexperienced people entering the industry.  I am the first one to defend young professionals, and scoff at those who judge me by my age before they see my work.  But, I believe I am beginning to understand why:  the people who judge me have been burned by people my age due to lack of experience/professionalism.  And, I can’t really blame them for being reserved when they notice my age.  But, c’mon young Tech Theatre Crew!  Help me break this stereotype!

I count myself lucky every day I walk out of a rehearsal room or a theater, knowing that there are hundreds – if not thousands – of hard-working young stage managers out there who would kill to have their AEA card and be working professionally.  All I ask is that if you’ve committed yourself that is this life in theatre – whatever your field – do it with tact, professionalism, and respect.  As a good friend once told me, “It’s 10% Show, 90% Business”  But at the same time, my lifelong motto: “it’s only work if you’d rather be doing something else.”  And there’s nothing else I’d rather do than work in theatre.  Respect the industry.  Do your job.