Half-Hour

Summary:

Bryan sets the mission for the show: to bring real value to your leadership journey in live entertainment. He dives deep into what truly separates a good stage manager from a great one—beyond technical skills, and shares practical ways you can grow your leadership, build trust, and create stronger backstage environments. Whether you’re early in your career or refining your craft, this episode offers actionable insights you can take back to your team today.

Topics Discussed:

• Why technical skills are just the starting line, not the finish line.
• The leadership qualities—like emotional intelligence, ownership, and trust-building—that set great stage managers apart.
• How to assess team dynamics, read the room, and raise or lower the energy as a leader.
• Why consistent leadership matters more than charisma in building lasting trust.
• The importance of self-awareness, advocacy, and stepping up authentically in high-pressure moments.

Resources Mentioned:

Listen to Backstage Banter at backstagebanterpodcast.com.

Read Bryan’s article on creating a personal code of ethics for leadership.

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Summary:

We explore the profound impact of culture on our professional lives. I’m discussing how workplace environments shape creativity and collaboration, from job satisfaction to innovation. Reflecting on the importance of nurturing supportive cultures, I discuss fostering risk-taking and transparent communication. Tune in for practical tips on promoting growth and positive workplace dynamics.

Topics Discussed:

• Our culture defines our organization’s identity through shared values, beliefs, and practices.
• We should encourage risk-taking and view failures as growth opportunities to foster innovation.
• Our positive culture promotes work-life balance and well-being, enhancing our productivity and job satisfaction.

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Summary:

Bryan chats with Laura Zingle, a seasoned freelance stage manager based in San Diego, as she shares her journey through the unpredictable world of theater and live events. With a diverse background spanning theater, dance, music, and concerts, Laura offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of freelancing in the entertainment industry. From her MFA in Stage Management to her role as a Resident Stage Manager for the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, her career embodies versatility and resilience.

Topics Discussed:

• Freelancing as a stage manager and some differences between 1099 and w2
• Expanding your definition of what it means to be a Stage Manager
• Explore different types of work rather than only one type

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Summary:

Conflicts arise from diverse perspectives, communication issues, and clashes in personality, requiring resolution for effective teamwork. Strategies include active listening, maintaining composure, and collaborative problem-solving. Prioritizing transparent communication enhances workplace cohesion, emphasizing the necessity of these methodologies for effective conflict management. Listen for more!

Topics Discussed:

• The power active listening can have in diffusing conflict as it is happening
• Keeping the focus on finding a solution rather than arguing and being right
• Keeping our communication transparent and how our communication promotes a positive culture

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Summary:

Sharon shares how her career started as a stage manager and the ebbs and flows throughout it, how she adjusted to changes in different environments, and what we should consider about the skills we possess as stage managers when we apply for jobs. Listen to the full interview!

Topics Discussed:

• Sharon shares her personal career history and comments on some of the milestones.
• Transitioning from one job into the next, sometimes in different working norms, and how to adapt
• Musical theatre, Circus, and Sports Entertainment

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Summary:

Helen Moreau and Bryan Runion explore the destructive impact of toxic workplace behaviors with practical strategies for setting boundaries and fostering clear communication. Additionally, we discuss effective confrontation techniques and the importance of seeking support for intervention to prioritize their well-being and consider leaving toxic environments if necessary.

Topics Discussed:

• Identifying toxic workplace behaviors
• Confronting toxic behaviors at work
• Self-preservation and how to move forward

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Summary:

Show calling is an art that brings live events to life, from the stage to the screen. Whether it’s the drama of a theatrical performance, the energy of a live concert, or the excitement of a sports event, Show Callers play a pivotal role in ensuring that everything runs like clockwork. It is the backbone of any live event, ensuring seamless coordination and execution.

Show calling is an art that brings live events to life, from the stage to the screen. Whether it’s the drama of a theatrical performance, the energy of a live concert, or the excitement of a sports event, Show Callers play a pivotal role in ensuring that everything runs like clockwork. It is the backbone of any live event, ensuring seamless coordination and execution.

Topics Discussed:

• Show Calling and the responsibility of the Show Caller
• How show calling changes based on the environment we are in
• Communication strategies and ways to communicate with our teams

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Summary:

Stage management embodies the fusion of organization, communication, and problem-solving, encapsulating a role that requires leadership, adaptability, and meticulous attention to detail. From the definition of stage management, characterized by the three pillars of synchronization, facilitation, and creativity, to the pivotal importance of organizational skills, communication, and problem-solving, the stage manager serves as the orchestrator, seamlessly weaving together the technical and artistic elements of a production. The dichotomy of education versus on-the-job learning is explored, with formal education offering structured pathways, theoretical knowledge, and industry insights, while on-the-job learning presents real-world experience but demands resilience and relentless pursuit of knowledge. The educator perspective underscores the value of formal education in preparing stage managers, while the experienced stage manager sheds light on a unique journey, challenges faced, and lessons learned without formal education. Navigating the industry involves a delicate balance between education and practical experience, with strategies for aspiring stage managers to maximize both, emphasizing networking, mentorship, and continuous learning as essential components for success in this dynamic field.

Topics Discussed:

• Educational approach to learning stage management
• Learning by doing and on-the-job training
• Communication

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Resources Mentioned:

Stage Management as a Guide to Practice

Lisa Porter & Narda E. Alcorn

Production Manager’s Toolkit

Carey Gillet & Jay Sheehan

Summary:

Drawing examples from the live entertainment industry, the conversation navigates the complexities inherent in adaptive challenges. The metaphorical dance between the micro and macro perspectives likened to the dance floor and balcony, is explored as a means to effectively address challenges. Emphasizing the power of curiosity, our conversation elaborates on the growth mindset and its role in fostering adaptability, with practical strategies for incorporating curiosity into leadership communication. The pivotal role of empathy in effective leadership is dissected through real-life examples, considering the perspectives of ASM and PSM.

Topics Discussed:

• Adaptive Challenges
• Technical Challenges
• Empathy
• Curiosity

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