Onstage and Off!

One thing I love about the Musical Theatre program at ONU is they make sure their students are well-rounded in the arts. One way they do this is by requiring an ASM credit to graduate. An ASM is an assistant stage manager for any ONU production. You can receive this credit by fully stage managing as well. This semester I am receiving my third ASM credit for stage managing our production of “Commedia dell'arte”. Many people in my program have asked me why I would continue to collect ASM credits when I no longer need them. Honestly, I really enjoy it! While I of course love to be onstage performing, I've found that I also love the offstage aspect of theatre. I have always been a fan of organization and routines so being in charge of a show fits well into my interests. 

Last night was our first rehearsal. We have an Italian guest director here and he was really great. It was an educational experience witnessing my peers making art from a new perspective. Thankfully I felt well prepared for this rehearsal because the faculty has been really helpful. I made sure I had everything printed out and I sent out all the necessary emails. I am excited for this rehearsal process to continue and to see where I can fit in this tech world. I have even spoken to the head of the tech program about adding a tech minor so I can continue to learn.

Last night was also the night we knew the Holiday Spectacular cast list was coming out. As I was setting up for our rehearsal, the cast list from last week's auditions was finally posted. I felt torn between prioritizing my offstage duties or focusing briefly on my onstage dreams. I ended up taking a moment to look at the list and found out that I am cast in the show! It feels great to be done with the stress of last week and met with good news. So, after I finish my tech job for this show, I'll move back to the stage from October through December rehearsing a new show. I love balancing these two aspects of my major and I can't wait to see where this path takes me.

Comments

  1. Marissa MyersSeptember 10, 2024 at 9:35 PM

    Congrats on being cast in the Holiday Spectacular! That is very exciting! It is also cool that you are able to experience the theatre from a different perspective. I didn't know that was required for the Musical Theatre Program, but it makes sense. It also makes it a lot more enjoyable when you have fun doing it!

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  2. Ella FooseSeptember 12, 2024 at 11:17 AM

    I'm so excited to work on Commedia with you for the next week and a half! You're being such an amazing stage manager, and you and making sure the cast feels safe and seen. I think these rehearsals have been a lot more organized because of you. Also, congrats on Holiday!!!

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  3. Matthew CookSeptember 12, 2024 at 2:01 PM

    Congrats on Holiday!!!! It is such a special experience I'm so proud of you! I am hoping that I can ASM in the spring with our production of "Machinal" on the Biggs Stage, it is something I am really interested in! I always think it is so cool and shows off versatility when performers can be proficient at being onstage and behind the scenes. You have definitely put in the hard work between first semester of freshman year to now, and I have been so happy to watch that growth happen! You're the true MVP.

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