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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Director and Stage Manager Conflicts - Help!

« on: Jan 29, 2008, 06:22 pm »

I had a very similar experience in High School. I had been on crew for three years and had risen to SM/crew chief by the third year, and in my senior year we got a new director who it became readily apparent was only interested in doing shows with us to add lines to her resume. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that at a semi-professional level in order to get yourself established, but don't do it at the expense of a bunch of kids most of whom are doing shows for fun and some, like you are and I was, are taking their first steps into the ocean of technical theater, 'cause it's a real easy way to get jaded really fast. There's plenty of time for that later. After SMing "Our Town" (which we did because she insisted we needed to do "more traditional shows") she wanted to do "School House Rock" because - she then insisted - we needed to break with tradition. No one else wanted to do "School House Rock" but everyone else went along with it, but I resigned as SM. Looking back on it now I can whole heartedly say that I don't regret my decision, and that missing out on that show didn't adversly effect my career. I'd say everyone's advice that no show, especially at the high school level, is worth your health. I personally agree with BWEEVEED in that if you still really want to do the shows (and who doesn't?) just step back from SMing. That'd be the most diplomatic course of action. It's a tough situation no doubt. A lot of high school directors are just like that - they like feeling like they're a big fish in a little pond. If it's any consolation the more professional your experiences the less that'll be the case, but it'll always be there somewhat, and as the SM you're whipping boy (or girl) #1. Just the nature of the beast.