A stage manager's cosmic experience

The University of Iowa Department of Theatre produced Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England, by Madeline George, in the spring of 2018 as part of the Mainstage season. Stage managed by Marguerite Sugden, and brought to life by a diverse team, this production proved to be both a challenging and rewarding process.

From the unique perspective of a stage manager, with particular focus on the Director/Stage Manager relationship, this thesis will examine the challenges and successes of the project from pre-production to post-production. Looking at how the production developed from previous productions through to technical rehearsals, many discoveries are made regarding Sugden’s personal and organizational goals. This paper analyzes how leadership and communication are essential for the forward movement of a production. It also addresses the significance of collaboration in theatrical processes. Sugden concludes with some final thoughts about how this distinct production has shaped who she is as a stage manager, and how it instilled a drive in her to work on shows with which she feels a special connection. Much like the transformations that occur within the play itself, this experience transformed Sugden’s stage management style and validated the power of theatre to bring people together.