Okay, so I’m a Drama/Theatre graduate working in a completely un-related field. I do want, one day, to open/manage my own theatre however, and so I help out with community theatre whenever I can.
I have been presented with an opportunity to work with a great community theatre group, Theatre Shmeatre, for the second time, and am very much looking forward to it. My dilemma is that I cannot decide whether I would rather be on the production or the performance side of things.
They are looking for an experienced Stage Manager (which I am), as well as a cast. I stage managed a show quite successfully a few years ago, and have assistant stage managed a few times as well. I love the production side of things because I know that it is really these people who run the show. However, I do prefer directing/producing over stage managing, which isn’t necessarily something I prefer to do (even though I’ve been told I’m good at it).
As for acting, I’m not the greatest actress, but I can pull off a convincing performance. It just isn’t something that I’m recognized for by my peers. But I do enjoy it. However, again, I prefer to be more in control, but I know that it would be an amazing experience to act with this group.
So, I pose the question to you all…which do you prefer, the production or performance side of theatre? And for what reasons? Help me decide which route I want to take.
If anyone in the Southern Ontario/Toronto area is interested in audition information, email me, as the site hasn’t been updated with the recent information.
Production. In college I did carpentry, costume, electrics, followspot, but my favorite was props. IProduction is more satisfying (to me) and you don’t have to deal (as directly) with so many… drama queens (for lack of a better term, includes all genders and proclivities prone to throwing hissy fits and failing to find their light).
Did the acting thing a few times, just to make sure I wasn’t jumping to conclusions… nope, not my thing.
I’ve done both also, and prefer production. Like you, I would rather produce / direct than stage manage, but have experience with all. I usually wouldn’t choose to act, but if it was an irresistable role / great opportunity I might change my mind. It depends on what the play was, if I knew the director, etc.
Are you doing this with the hope of getting experience or a job offer? You might want to go with production if it will help you get contacts with people who can get you a paying, steady job, or help you set up your own theatre someday. It depends what you want to get out of it.
As a former director—Go for the stage manager job. It’s a better jumping off spot for other things. Also, you can always go back on the stage from the SM job for specific parts but it is hard to go the other way.
A good stage manager is worth 10 or 20 good actors and as such you can pretty much call your shots on a bunch of different levels. To me this one is a no brainer.
For me as well -
I have done both, and I definitely prefer stage managing. It’s most likely the control freak in me - but it is also nice to have a much larger role in the show.
You mention that it “would be amazing to act with this group” - as a stage manager you would still be interacting with them, perhaps on a slightly different level, however. (“you. onstage. now.”)
I’d say go with the stage managing; and then when a role comes that you absolutely have to have; wow them with your acting skill.
You asked for our personal preferences, and mine is definately the performance side- I love acting. However, if you’re looking into one day managing you’re own theatre, I think you should go for the production side to get more experience at it.
Had to call one of the Shmeatre directors for another reason, and so gave him my answer…I’m now stage managing for him and the other two directors. (3 scripted plays, with original material interspersed.)
Good thing is, he’s stage managing for me (again) for a show I hope to direct/produce. Yay!
So yah…auditions on Saturday in Toronto…anyone want info?
