Heather Smith - Stage Manager on Book for Pegasus Opera's Double Bill

Central’s Principal Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE directs Pegasus Opera Company’s captivating double bill: ‘Toutes les femmes,’ featuring Roman Fever by Philip Hagemann and The Human Voice (La Voix Humaine) by Francis Poulenc, running from 12 to 14 April at the Royal Academy of Music’s Susie Sainsbury Theatre.

To celebrate the many Central graduates and students who have contributed their expertise behind the scenes,  we’re launching a special blog series focusing on their work.

Heather Smith, a graduate of our BA (Hons) Theatre Practice - Stage Management course, talks to us about her role as Stage Manager on Book.

What does your role as Stage Manager on Book for the double bill production at Pegasus Opera entail?

I am responsible for the overall smooth running of the show and rehearsal period - with a focus on the prompt copy. I will be calling cues in both shows of the double bill, liaising with the creative team and Managing Director to ensure the shows vision is brought to life. I will also be running the rehearsal room, ensuring that all information is distributed to and from the room. As well as this, I am working with an Assistant Stage Manager, who I will assist with budgets for props and their sourcing, alongside any turnover of the set between each show in the run.

Can you discuss the collaborative process of working with the rest of the cast and crew to bring the productions to life?

My main goal, as on any job I undertake, is to ensure that the creative vision is brought to life as smoothly as possible. When creating theatre, we all want to create work that an audience will enjoy and will evoke emotion. I will work alongside the team to make this happen - using my experience on book to ensure that tech is run smoothly and that cues come to life exactly as envisioned by the team consistently.

How has your training on Central’s BA (Hons) Theatre Practice - Stage Management course helped prepared you for your current role and your career so far?

I think Central provides a real hand on approach to learning. Throughout my time studying, I worked on six different productions of varying genres which has allowed me to learn different approaches to work. As well as working with practitioners with varying styles of creating theatre, which gives me a greater insight to working with new people in every project I undertake. This has been invaluable for me in my career so far.

Reflecting on your career to date, what standout moments or highlights come to mind?

Each job I have worked on has provided me a true sense of pride and it’s hard to say standout moments without acknowledging that. One standout moment would have been undertaking my placement term on Whodunnit [Unrehearsed] 2 at Park Theatre, working with 41 different celebrities on a sold out show fundraising for Park Theatre’s new work. Another highlight was working with Peter Gill on a show he had written called Something in the Air at Jermyn Street Theatre. It was incredible to work with what was a wonderful cast and creative team alongside Peter’s brilliant mind and eye for theatrical work.

What goals do you have for the future? 

My favourite jobs are working in musical theatre, which I am lucky to say I do regularly at varying scales. It’s how I discovered stage management and I would love to be able to take a new musical to a West End stage one day.

What advice would you offer to emerging artists who aspire to follow a similar path in the industry?

I owe my career to Leicester Theatre group in Leicester, who are a youth group who taught me the ropes and encouraged me to continue my studies at Central. I would say immerse yourself in local theatre, take on opportunities that are given to you and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and talk to people in the industry. You never stop learning in this job so take on every lesson and apply it into what you do.

Visit Pegaus Opera’s website for further details about the double bill and to book your tickets.

Find out more about Heather Smith’s work by visiting her Mandy page, or following her on Instagram @Heather_Scuodge.