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
Read more
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.
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
Read more
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,
Read more
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
Read more
How will the Entertainment Industry welcome Immersive Theatre?
The entertainment industry is always looking for the next big thing. With the rise of immersive theatre, it’s clear that
Read more
Inviting Feedback and Creating Space for Diversity
In this article, I’ll briefly touch on some concepts around giving and receiving feedback. Communication is such a large part
Read more
“Why should I care?” How Empathy gives 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
Read more
Self-Made: How I Became a Stage Manager Without a Degree
In this article, I asked my good friend Pamela Villanueva Gijon (or Pammy) to share her story about how she became
Read more
Setting Effective Goals as a Stage Manager
As a stage manager in the fast-paced world of live entertainment, success depends on much more than just managing the
Read more
Power vs Service: Leadership in Stage Management
Leadership, at least in the modern Western imagination, is often portrayed as forceful, even militant, stern, and decisive. The “leader
Read more
Professor Creates Mental Health Days for Student Well-Being
Excused absences for mental health days are growing more common for K-12 learners, but most higher education institutions don’t allow
Read more
The Key to Effective Stage Management Leadership
As a stage manager, our role extends far beyond cueing performers and coordinating technical aspects of a production. At its
Read more
Mental Health: Stage Managing Myself to Sanity on a Cruise Ship
Pammy writes about how she makes space for mental health breaks and ways to prioritize your mental health while working
Read more
Mastering Empathy: Effective Leadership for Stage Managers
In today’s fast-paced entertainment environment, the most effective leaders aren’t just strong decision-makers—they’re also empathic. Empathy in leadership isn’t merely a nice-to-have quality; it’s a crucial component that fosters trust, boosts team morale, and drives organizational success. I’m exploring why empathy is vital for leadership, how it can enhance team dynamics, and practical steps to cultivate this essential trait. Whether you’re an aspiring or a seasoned stage manager, understanding and applying empathy in your leadership approach can transform your team and elevate your impact.
Read more
The Art of Stage Management: Blending Education and Experience
Stage management stands at the heart of every live performance, serving as the conductor of a behind-the-scenes symphony. Our roles
Read more
Stage Managing for Ballet
I asked a friend and colleague, Helen Moreau, who has Stage Managed for several Ballet Companies such as American Ballet Theatre,
Read more
How to Embrace Risk: Transforming Vulnerability Into Triumph
Effective stage management relies not only on technical prowess but also on strong leadership skills. In my own awareness journey
Read more
“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
Read more
Authority, Power, and Leadership
In this week’s article, we are discussing the differences between authority, power, and leadership; stripping them down and investigating their
Read more
How to Safely Stop the Show: A Look At Assessing Risk Before It Happens
In this week’s article, I’m discussing show stops and emergency situations. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan and the
Read more
Preparing for a Hard Conversation: Defining Feelings, Uncovering Identity Triggers, and Setting a Purpose
In this week’s edition, I’m talking more about hard conversations. Last week, I laid out a structure of questions to
Read more