Welcome to Half-Hour
Learn the craft. Lead with clarity, and Level up your backstage leadership with tools, insights, and strategies built for the real world of live entertainment.
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Stage Management 101:
The Complete Guide
How to Advance a Show
in Live Entertainment
Building a Career:
The Long Term Playbook
How to Safely Stop a Show
A Stage Manager’s Guide
Check out the latest articles
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How to Embrace The Courage Of Risk: Transforming Vulnerability Into Triumph
Vulnerability played a central role in shaping the way I work as a leader and live as a human being. When we open up to honest conversations, show empathy, and let our authentic selves be seen, magic happens.
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A Former Seafarer’s Voyage to Mental Health
Pammy writes about how she makes space for mental health breaks and ways to prioritize your mental health while working on a cruise ship.
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10 Best Leadership Books: Must-Reads for Growth, Feedback & Real-World Clarity
Discover the best leadership books in 2025, curated from real-world experience to help you lead with clarity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
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Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
As a professional stage manager, navigating the complexities of production while battling feelings of inadequacy when we don’t quite hit the mark can often feel like a balancing act on a high wire. Feeling like an imposter and like I don’t deserve to be where I am, or that I am not good enough are
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Making a Freelance Life Work
Making a freelance life work in live entertainment means diversifying income, building networks, and redefining success on your own terms.
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Understanding and Caring for Relationships between Stage Managers and Performers
Whether you’ve been in the business for years or you’re just starting out, we can all benefit from looking at the places where conflicts may arise between stage management and performers. Generally, the relationship between the two is one of mutual support and respect. The stage manager acts as advocate, overseer and support for the
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Phenomenology and its Relevance to Leadership
Leadership hinges upon the intricate interplay of human interactions, perceptions, and experiences. In exploring the landscape of effective leadership, the framework of phenomenology resonates with me. Phenomenology unveils the essence of consciousness and the intricate layers of how individuals perceive and engage with their realities. Within the context of leadership, phenomenology serves as a compelling
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Working At and Leaving a Toxic Work Environment
I asked my friend Helen Moreau, who has written for Half-Hour before, to write another article, and when we were discussing what to write about, how to be true to yourself and prioritize our own well-being as a Stage Manager, came to the front of our conversations. Many times as Stage Managers, we prioritize other
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The Art of Stage Management: Blending Education and Experience
Defining Stage Management Stage management stands at the heart of every live performance, serving as the conductor of a behind-the-scenes symphony. Our roles encapsulate the coordination of every element of a production, from rehearsals to performances, and encompasses a myriad of responsibilities, from meticulously organizing rehearsals and coordinating technical aspects to overseeing the execution of
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Navigating Stress: Identifying Stressors and Effective Coping Strategies
Our industry is a dynamic field full of creativity, innovation, and amazing people. However, the glamour often conceals the immense pressures and unique stressors that accompany working in this high-octane industry. From tight deadlines to erratic schedules and intense scrutiny, stage managers face a myriad of challenges that can significantly impact our mental and emotional
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“Why Should I Care?” How Empathy and Curiosity can help us see “The Big Picture”
In this edition of Half-Hour, my friend Nicholas Lambros Smith discusses the importance of empathy and curiosity and how using these communication tools can open up conversations, allow for growth, and to see different perspectives. In the world of live entertainment, every performance is the culmination of a delicate dance of creativity and precision. As
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The Power of Culture
In this November edition of Half-Hour, I’ll discuss the significance of culture, elucidating how it can improve employee experiences and foster talent retention. We will delve into the unique challenges and opportunities the entertainment industry presents and examine how a positive workplace culture can address these challenges. Culture is pivotal in shaping the work environment,