Onstage > Students and Novice Stage Managers

Equal-Opportunity Program?

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gafftaped:
I'm a senior in high school going to be interviewing for colleges soon, and I was wondering if my high school's style of choosing stage managers could be a hindrance to me.

We are only allowed to SM one show a year (can ASM multiple, though) so everyone can have a chance. This means that last year, my director reserved me to SM our musical, as is also the case this year. However, at the time of my interviews, I will only have one show on my resume where I am listed as the stage manager (several more, however, where I have ASMed).

Any feedback on how this could impact my acceptance, as well as how I can play it off? I have already had a show outside of school where I was a part of the general crew, then they interviewed for SM and ASMs, and my lack of actual stage management experience prevented me from getting the position I wanted.

missliz:
Explain it to them. The fact that you've only SMed one show isn't from lack of initiative, it's just a timing/scheduling thing. (The fact that a director is reserving you for shows definitely looks good too!) You're clearly still motivated to find places you can get experience (ASMing, crew on outside productions) so I don't think it'll hurt you.

lsears:
I agree with Missliz, just explain it to them.  There are many reasons why a college applicant may be short of shows on their resume - sometimes people come to an interest in stage management late in high school and only do one show, sometimes their schools only do one production a year.  The interview and how you conduct yourself are more important than a list of shows.

hbelden:
Agreed.  Undergrad is not the same as graduate school.  More important than specifically-SM credits are a proven commitment to theatre, in any contribution.  The purpose of undergrad is to teach the craft to you, not to hire the most qualified SM for their productions.

MatthewShiner:
Well, wait, Heath. . . if one is applying to a BFA program, there might be a higher standard or expectation . . . I think that a MFA has a higher expectations then a BFA, but a BFA would most likely have higher expectations then a BA.

BUT, I think there are ways to sell and package yourself to make up for the lack of credits on your resume - and there is time to add other credits.

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