the blogging stage manager

They call me Jessica or J. Bird. Currently a freelance stage manager with a love of social media and blogging. I decided to start a vlog to follow my summer stock journey, so let's see how it goes!

[thebloggingstagemanager]

Starting some script/score reads for my own pre-production purposes today! I leave on FRIDAY! I can't believe how quickly summer is going already. ❤️📖✨ #stagemanagement #smlife #scoreanalysis

[thebloggingstagemanager]

Now that you're running off a post-Tony award theatre high, here's some (not Broadway quality) theatrical content, in the form of my second vlog! 🎭💖 Ever wondered what it is a stage manager actually does? We'll here's my general explanation, with witty captions and *very fun* Instagram photos. Disclaimer -- I am by no means a very good public speaker and I like to repeat the word "SO" a lot, so once you look past those things, you might actually learn something. Or at least, that's the hope.

[thebloggingstagemanager]

Just filmed a vlog about being a stage manager and all that my job entails. What do you guys think about my shirt choice? 😋

[thebloggingstagemanager]

I'm awkward but I'm trying something new this summer!

Check out my very first *attempt* at vlogging. This is just an intro, I plan on much more (exciting) content this summer.

Follow along in the upcoming weeks to actually see me in action in Greenville! (since I'm usually always hiding in the booth/backstage!)

[thebloggingstagemanager]

Hi Tumblr! Sorry I haven't been posting much lately, I've been in the midst of Madagascar: A Musical Adventure. Here's a little snapshot into my life up in the booth!

[thankyoufive]

I have been a professional SM at the same theater for nearly 7 years.

And i have never had (or needed) a headshot.

And on this day

Marketing finally messaged me

And said they need to get a real headshot

So we’re having a photo shoot tomorrow.

😑

[thankyoufive]

what do i wear for impromptu mandatory pre-designer run headshots i am unreasonably preoccupied with this

[thebloggingstagemanager]

I vote some really classy blacks. Because you know how to rock some blacks with a killer red lip. To match your killer red hair. & some strong cat eye liner.

[thebloggingstagemanager]

I spent my entire Friday night finishing my digital call script and it is finally finished and I am feeling so accomplished right now. Here is a preview of the first page of the opening number!

[themanicnami]

Anyone Else Remember These Shows?

These were like the childhood shows for me and every time I bring them up, no one seems to remember them.

The Adventures of Spot 

Bear and the Big Blue House

Out of the Box

Rolie Polie Olie

The Big Comfy Couch

Between the Lions

Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman

these were literally my childhood

[thebloggingstagemanager]

Now that the show is open, I finally have time to put together my *digital* call book.

[stagefoot]

Being in a theater alone, lit by only the ghost light

[diy-ke]

my theater professor used to say that an empty theater was his favorite view in the whole world because you can just ask

“who will come? who will be changed?”

[stagemanagermusings]

this is one of my favorite things.

Sitting and absorbing the potential and the magic of a theatre.

[thebloggingstagemanager]

me: *writes adult email*

me: *hits send while screaming loudly*

[thankyoufive]

So here’s the thing:

Mistakes happen

Props break

Entrances are missed

We’re all human. We’ve all got a margin of error. We’re all just little variables with legs. I understand that and am generally very forgiving of it.

But when people fuck shit up because they’re being lazy, or not being aware, or just don’t care enough to put their best self out there?

[thebloggingstagemanager]

It doesn't even matter how simple a ground plan is, measuring the set before taping day will always stress me out and hurt my mathematically challenged brain. ✏️📐

[thebloggingstagemanager]

<p>Watching the latest episode for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, & getting my blocking script prepped and ready to go!

[thebloggingstagemanager]

It’s a paperwork in bed kind of a day.

This afternoon is all about blocking slip sheets and script references!

(& rewatching The Office... for the third time 😂)

[thebloggingstagemanager]

I am back from a bit of a hiatus! "Madagascar: A Musical Adventure" (my next stage management project) starts in two weeks and I am in the mood to get some serious paperwork done! Can't wait to be back in the world of musical theater :)

[stagemanagermusings]

Stage Manager Coping Strategies

do some paperwork (even if you’re behind! you’ll feel better to even just fill in one bit of information!)

make a spreadsheet of your other coping strategies 

make a to do list full of things you already did just to be able to check it off

listen to music from your favorite show

look at some old paperwork that you did really well

check out some paperwork samples on smnetwork

practice calling cues