The Dramaturgy of Stage Management: A Constructed Conversation

Abstract

I brought three of Toronto’s seasoned stage managers together, at the 2003 Mini-Conference on Dramaturgy, to discuss their dramaturgical contribution to the rehearsal process. The conversation was eye opening to many of the conference participants, some of whom (new and established alike) admitted to never having thought of the stage manager as a creative partner. During the conference session, Naomi Campbell, Shauna Janssen and J.P. Robichaud spoke eloquently about the myriad ways they contribute, far beyond setting schedules, corralling personnel and running shows. It was a potent reminder of how valuable the stage manager can be, particularly on new work Naomi, for instance, was so central to my production of Jason Sherman’s Reading Hebron that I insisted she be credited as the Assistant Director, in addition to her work as the stage manager. Casting your stage manager can be as vital as any other artistic choice. Here are further thoughts, culled from an extended e-mail conversation among the three artists.