https://www.mvnews.org/tech-crew-works-behind-the-scenes-on-school-productions/

Being the stage manager of a high school musical is not as simple as it seems. Sure, the stage manager sits in the light booth and calls cues, but there are many other tasks the stage manager must do simultaneously. Keeping order, making snap decisions, and staying at school until 9 PM are some of the additional responsibilities of being the stage manager at Harrison High School. On opening night, senior Callum Robertson has only one chance to get it right. 

At Harrison High School, the technical crew consists of students of all ages. Each person has their role and responsibilities. In Mary Poppins, some of the roles on the tech crew consist of the props crew, sound and light designers, fly crew, assistant stage managers, and the stage manager, all working in harmony to ensure the musical runs smoothly. With only seconds between each scene, there is no room for mistakes. Callum Robertson, the current stage manager who has been a part of Harrison’s tech crew since the 6th grade, shares his experience and the challenges he faced during this year’s musical. 

“My biggest challenge, I’d say, is getting the cues exactly where they needed to be.” One of the main challenges, according to Callum, is that people are not always on the same page, so calling cues, which are directions to the different Crew members, over the headsets at the most precise time is necessary to guarantee that no one falls behind. Callum explains that “because we have a finite amount of music in between each scene and if it gets too prolonged, the audience feels uncomfortable.” To combat this challenge, Callum consistently communicates with the assistant stage managers over the intercom so everyone moves at an efficient pace while being in the light booth at the back of the auditorium.  

Callum has gained many skills in the process. “I’ve definitely learned some frustration management skills.”  Being firm with the other tech crew members while still keeping a professional attitude is a skill the stage manager must have. 

“We got them.” For Callum, overcoming all of the roadblocks is worth it. Watching the audience, Callum realized that they were engaged and entertained. They loved the show. “It is really nice to see people give standing ovations in the middle of the show, like during Supercal or Step in Time.”  Hearing people rave about Mary Poppins and how it’s comparable to a Broadway production proves to him that the struggle is worth the reward. “Just seeing how everything comes together at the end and how people can enjoy it is the best part for me.”