ABSTRACT
Successful collaborations between theatre designers and stage managers consist of interactions with both parties benefitting throughout the production process. Such is the definition of a mutualistic symbiotic relationship; two “organisms of different species working together; each benefiting from the relationship.” One of the stage manager’s critical jobs is to help realize the full design for a show on the stage; they are the filter that all the knowledge of the production passes through, in one way or another. They take that knowledge and synthesize it into easily communicated ideas. During rehearsals, tech, and run of shows, the process demands will vary. Kelly’s teachings and Traub’s approach are psychological-minded and propose that streamlined communication ensures that everyone can present their best work possible, including the design-technology team. They promote emotional intelligence, facilitating process awareness, emotional self-control, and informed and empathetic interpersonal relationships. Traub also believes that “Stage Managers are the ‘hub’ of the wheel on every production.
