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« on: Oct 07, 2007, 10:00 am »
As a university student stage manager, I have the challenge of having a lot of responsibility with very little authority. There are no fines applicable to performers, and I work with faculty actors from time to time who believe they may be above the law. My main tactic is to make people do things because of their respect for me, and not because I'm some kind of tyrannical dictator. This really helps in larger cast productions (my current is 44 - four of whom are children) because in such shows, especially at the university level, the cast can make you or break you.
If they're by in large dissatisfied with how things are going, they'll complain about it with their friends outside of rehearsals, and that negative energy follows them in. If you have the respect of many, I've found they tend to stand up for the production and it's whole process.
For these reasons, I do like to dress the part. Usually throughout auditions and the first two weeks of rehearsal, my dress is dress-casual. A pair of slacks, typically, and a button down shirt. I occasionally throw in a tie or suit jacket, depending on what else I'm doing during the day. Usually leather dress shoes, but I may slip into some black Steve Madden style sneakers.
After about the first two weeks, I assess how the cast is doing. Usually, I've established myself enough to be able to dress down a little - nice jeans and a t- or polo shirt - for the remainder of rehearsals.
As far as show goes, its back to slacks, button-down shirts, and a suit jacket.
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