International Stage Management Day 2023

Over the years I've known a few 'roadies'. These people are employed by musicians on tour to set up and maintain equipment. The phrase they used in my presence to refer to their skillset was "roadie stuff". By and large it was a scruffy longhaired drug doing but essential bunch who accompanied musical groups to various venues for performances.
 

I've also had interactions with a few stage managers as well. I remember in Mr Yehuda Guttman and his wife Ruth and the Red Barn Theater when I lived at Key West. My childhood friend Chris who shared my budding theatrical interests would accompany me there at every opportunity.

They were a lively bunch and engaged in spirited discussions of their craft. Mr Guttman was a piano virtuoso and puppeteer who produced various plays and such. Mrs Guttman was a puppeteer and stage manager. It was a sublime time to be in their company. I always left their presence smiling and feeling more well informed that I was before. I went to school with their two sons Darren and Evan — who like them are sadly no longer with us.

Yehuda and Ruth worked with me on voice projection, which refers to having strength of speaking or singing which enables the human voice to be used with power and clarity. The technique is utilized to affect commanding respect and attention in the appropriate venue, be it classroom or stage production. It seems they found my ability to project to be somewhat lacking but were kind in their instructions and advice and always very encouraging.

And this is International Stage Management Day marking the work that stage managers do behind the scenes.

Each October 10 I am drawn back to those days when I aspired to be a thespian and though long gone not forgotten and wistfully remembered as what "might have been".

So the stage and stage hands did their things and the stage managers coordinated efforts and the set builders and the gaffer and grips went about the business of making for a successful production with all the rehearsal schedules and rigamarole which went in between.

So I miss those days as well but they are so far removed from my now that I can only remember and wonder regarding those past possibilities.

Like Chris Gagnon, the Guttman family are relegated to that space between my ears known as my memory. They left their mark upon the person I ultimately became and I am glad I had that opportunity to mingle and share.

See Also:

My Bucket List Was Emptied Friday, May 30, 2014
Birthday of the late Chris Gagnon