Why I Created a Personal Code of Ethics as a Stage Manager
Before I knew what a personal code of ethics was, I was already living one, just not consciously. What’s kept
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Bryan Runion is a professional Production Stage Manager whose credits include: Drawn to Life (Cirque du Soleil and Disney), Netflix’s Stranger Things: The Experience, Duel Reality (7 Fingers), La Perle (Dragone), The Voice of Tolerance (The Ministry of Education, UAE); Mastercard Experiences (Mastercard); Everybody Black (World Premiere), Queens (La Jolla Playhouse), Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy (The Old Globe), TEDx (Chula Vista), Mark Morris Dance Company, Joey Alexander Trio, Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (La Jolla Music Society), The Bridges of Madison County (Arkansas Rep). Bryan earn his M.F.A. at The University of California, San Diego and his B.A. at The University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and The Stage Managers’ Association.
Culture, Burnout, and Why People Stay
The Hours Aren’t the Problem It was 11:58 p.m. when someone handed me a slice of pizza. We were breaking
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Emergency Preparedness Is Leadership: What Happens When You’re the Calm in the Chaos
It was a Wednesday matinee. School groups, late buses, a tired crew. We were halfway through act one when the
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The Micromanagement Myth: Why Hands-On Leadership Isn’t Always the Enemy
Micromanagement is often framed as a leadership flaw—one that stifles creativity, breeds resentment, and undermines trust. While excessive control can
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When You’re Not in the Room
It was 8:53AM when the text came in. “Where are the mic batteries?” I was two hours away. Not calling
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How to Approach Conflict Resolution for Productive Conversations
In this article, I am discussing conflict. Conflict can quickly become an issue in the workplace and often arise due
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The Superpower of Kindness
My dear friend and colleague, Niko Lambros Smith, writes about what approaches have allowed him to make genuine connections with
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How to Negotiate Your Salary as a Stage or Production Manager
Talking about money is uncomfortable. We get into the industry because we love the work, not because we want to
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Live Entertainment: Participation versus Contribution
Live entertainment thrives on collaboration, but not all collaboration is created equal. I’ve recently been contemplating what the difference is
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Managing Personalities in Live Entertainment
Live entertainment is a mosaic of diverse personalities, each bringing unique strengths and challenges to the table. Whether you’re leading
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Why Ethical Leadership Matters in Entertainment
Ethical leadership isn’t just about making the “right” choices—it’s about building trust, fostering respect, and creating an environment where people
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Tips for Applying to International Work
In edition of Half-Hour, I discuss formatting tips to include in your resume when applying for international work. These can
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Building a Successful Stage Management Team
In this article, I am discussing some strategies for building a successful team. Building a strong and cohesive team is
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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
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What Stage Management Teaches Us About Guiding Teams
As stage managers, we work behind the scenes, ensuring that everything runs smoothly while the spotlight shines elsewhere. What many
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Leading From Your ‘Why’ Can Change Everything
The old adage “the journey is the reward” has been around for thousands of years and has been known by
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What does it mean to be an Ethical Stage Manager?
In this article, I am discussing ethics, values, and conflict. What does it mean to be an ethical Stage Manager,
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Bridging Generational Gaps in Entertainment Production Teams
Picture this: a seasoned stage manager with years of experience kicks back as their younger, tech-savvy coworker throws out an
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The Importance of Professional Practice as a Stage Manager
In this edition of Half-Hour, I am discussing professional practice as a Stage Manager: the skills that you need outside
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Haunted Theatres: Echoes of the Darkened Stage
They say every theater has its ghosts. Some are just whispers carried on drafts, tricks of light in dusty aisles,
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The Six Phases of Production in Theatre
Most people may not think about how all of the pieces of a production fit together more than a Stage
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