DM Playhouse to Host Stage Management Workshop, 3/14

Ever wondered how a live theatre show comes together each night? Or maybe you know that stage managers possess the steady hand and calm voice once a production opens and you'd like to learn more. The Des Moines Community Playhouse is holding a free workshop in stage management, 1:30-4:00 PM, Saturday, Mar. 14. The workshop is open to the public. Reservations can be made by contacting Lee Ann Bakros, Playhouse marketing and public relations director, at 515-974-5358.

Janet Albanese, theatre professional and professor, will talk about the role of a stage manager and share the best practices as well as stories from her experiences. A panel of Playhouse volunteers will then talk about stage management at this theatre. At the close of the afternoon, individuals can sign up for production-related volunteer opportunities for a show in the Playhouse's 2015-16 season.

Albanese is excited to be bringing professional stage management experience and training to young stage managers in Des Moines. She is currently an adjunct professor of theatre at Drake University, Grand View University, and DMACC. She was the Des Moines stage manager for the hit production "Triple Espresso" at the Temple for Performing Arts. She has worked in the performing arts on both coasts, including resident stage manager for the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY), assistant production manager at the Williamstown Theatre Festival (Williamstown, MA), stage manager for "Triple Espresso" (San Diego production), and production manager for Cal Rep (Long Beach, CA). She also taught stage management at California State University at Long Beach. Albanese holds an MFA in stage management and an MA in theatre history from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and BA degrees in theatre and religion from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. One of the things Albanese enjoys doing the most is mentoring high school stage managers for the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards Showcase through Des Moines Performing Arts.

The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information about the Playhouse and the stage management workshop, contact the Playhouse at 515-974-5358.

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