Equality vs Equity: Why the Difference Matters More Than Ever
The recent rollbacks in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the U.S. have reignited an important conversation about workplace
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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.
Ever Wonder What Does an Assistant Stage Manager Actually Do?
I’ve had a lot of conversations with people who want to understand what an ASM does. Not the job description
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What We Practice We Become
I’ve been in a lot of rooms where people are pretending not to feel anything. Meetings, rehearsals, backstage, in the
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We All Win When We Stop Competing
In an industry built on collaboration, it’s strange how isolating the job search can feel. We whisper about openings. We
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Stage Management 101: The Complete Beginner’s Guide for New and Aspiring SMs
Stage management is the art of being everywhere without being seen, solving problems before they happen, and holding a show
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What’s Wrong and Why We Need to Redefine Professionalism
Because staying in your lane might be the thing keeping us from going anywhere meaningful. “Stay in Your Lane” Is
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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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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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