COMMUNICATION: SM with a stutter

[margaretheff]

Hi there, I posted this a while ago, but wanted more feedback!

I am a college Stage Manager, still very early in my career. I have a moderate-severe stutter. It hinders a few things (being on book, general speaking communication), but my general performance as an SM has not been effected too severely by the impediment. My faculty and directors do not know I have a stutter, and most people don't know I do until I point it out.

What are your opinions on my future in stage management?


Thanks!

Edited to add topic tag- Maribeth

[SMrose]

...my general performance as an SM has not been effected too severely by the impediment. My faculty and directors do not know I have a stutter, and most people don't know I do until I point it out.

What are your opinions on my future in stage management?


Thanks!

If it isn't noticed by others, I wouldn't bring attention to it.

[brettnexx]

I think you're fine.

However, I may consider telling your instructors, if it comes up that someone notices it, they will know why rather than coming up to you in a potentially embarrassing setting (not that there's anything to be embarrassed about). They may also offer some advice as to different solutions if something is difficult.

Also, If you are interested, there is speech therapy you can take to reverse the issue, or atleast help it a little. Being a college age student may affect how much it can be helped.

When you get into interning and apprenticing, I think you should definitely tell your SM or PSM about your stutter. They could make sure that you aren't on book, and again, if someone brings it up to them, they will know what is going on before bringing it up to you.

But, like I said, nothing to be embarrassed about, lots of people have speech impediments, and different hurdles they need to jump over