Dani Ironside: Inside Theater Management
In this episode of the StageLync podcast, host Anna Robb interviews Dani Ironside, the company manager at Bell Shakespeare. With a background in stage management at prestigious theaters such as Sydney Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre, Lyric Hammersmith, and Belvoir, Dani brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. They explore her career path, the realities of working in Australian theater, the challenges of company management, and the importance of fostering a supportive workplace. Check out this preview, and don’t miss the full episode next week!
How did Dani Ironside’s career path lead to company management?
Dani’s journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Design for Theatre and Television from Charles Sturt University. The program offered a broad foundation in various aspects of theater production, which allowed her to explore multiple roles, including stage management, lighting, and sound. After nearly a decade in stage management, she discovered a passion for company management. When an opportunity arose at Bell Shakespeare, she pursued it with determination, even directly reaching out to the executive director to express her interest. Her previous experience as a stage manager with the company helped her transition into the role.
What does a company manager do, and what are Dani’s key responsibilities?
Dani describes her role as a balance between logistical coordination and emotional support. Her primary goal is to create an environment where cast, crew, and creatives feel valued, supported, and empowered to produce their best work. Managing national tours is a major component of her job, involving scheduling, accommodations, and ensuring the well-being of the team. She also emphasizes the importance of building relationships from the first point of contact, setting a foundation of trust that extends throughout the production process.
What are the biggest challenges of being a company manager?
One of the biggest challenges is handling unpredictable situations, such as last-minute cancellations or logistical issues during tours. Dani highlights the difficulty of ensuring that an understudy is available when a cast member is unable to perform, especially given Australia’s vast geography. Previously, Bell Shakespeare did not always have understudies, leading to occasional show cancellations. However, recent changes have allowed the company to maintain performances, even with unexpected cast changes. Another challenge is managing travel logistics, particularly in regional areas where flights are limited, requiring cast and crew to drive long distances while balancing fatigue and performance schedules.
How does Dani foster an inclusive and supportive workplace?
Dani prioritizes open communication and proactive support, starting from the moment she contacts an artist for a new production. She ensures that each individual understands the resources available to them and creates structures to promote well-being throughout the rehearsal and tour process. Transparency is a key aspect of her approach, reducing stress by keeping company members informed about potential challenges and solutions. She also emphasizes the importance of team bonding, ensuring that cast and crew stay together during tours to maintain a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
How does Bell Shakespeare fund its productions and ensure accessibility to theater?
Bell Shakespeare operates through a combination of ticket sales, government funding, and generous supporters. Dani shares how the company engages with its audience through initiatives like a 24-hour giving day, where staff members call donors to share stories and express appreciation. One of Bell Shakespeare’s standout programs is The Players, an education initiative that brings performances to schools, including those in remote areas where students may not otherwise have access to theater. This initiative ensures that young audiences across Australia can experience live performances and engage with Shakespeare in a meaningful way.
Key Takeaways from the Podcast
- The Role of a Company Manager is Multifaceted
Dani Ironside’s job at Bell Shakespeare involves managing logistics, ensuring the well-being of artists, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Her work extends beyond coordination to actively shaping a positive experience for cast and crew. - Theater Professionals Need a Broad Skill Set
Dani’s career path, from stage management to company management, underscores the importance of having diverse industry knowledge. Her generalist training helped her gain experience across multiple disciplines before finding her niche. - Touring Theater Presents Unique Challenges
Managing national tours across Australia involves complex logistics, including travel arrangements, accommodation, and maintaining company cohesion. Ensuring understudies are available has helped Bell Shakespeare prevent show cancellations. - Mental Health and Well-being Are Priorities
The industry’s growing focus on artist and crew well-being is crucial. Resources like the Arts Wellbeing Collective provide tools and strategies to support mental health on tour, ensuring artists can perform at their best. - Theater Accessibility Matters
Bell Shakespeare’s The Players program brings live performances to schools, especially in remote areas, helping young audiences engage with Shakespeare and experience live theater. Public support and fundraising efforts play a vital role in sustaining these initiatives.
Main Image: Courtesy of Bell Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream (2024). Photo by Brett Boardman.
Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.
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