Student Blog: Stage Managing Responsibilities

Managing a schedule as busy as mine can be seen as hectic and overwhelming, but I have quite a few tricks up my sleeve. If you also have a busy schedule I might be able to help with that!

Calendars

 One of my all-time favorite tools to use is a calendar. I use the calendar app on my devices to connect with my family and their schedules, and I also use Google Calendar for my own personal schedule. Lastly, when at college I have two types of monthly calendars, a chalk one to customize each month and then one of my favorite singers. All of these types of calendars help me to stay organized and to ensure that I can keep track of my schedule or any possible plans from wherever I happen to be. 

Notes

Another tool I utilize on my devices is the notes app. If I have any spur of the moment ideas or plans I need to write down, typically it is easiest to open up the notes app and to jot it down later. With the notes app you can share notes so if needed to work with someone from your production and you have some notes you want to share then boom! One of my favorite note based tools is called stickies. It allows me to add a sticky note digitally on my computer, this way when I'm taking notes in class, or even during a production I can have a variety of notes, plus I can even change the colors. 

I will admit while I have these few amazing tools and others, I can have my moments. Admittedly I have procrastinated projects or had to take a moment, but that's all in learning. Everyone needs to know their limits because we're human. Everyone has a bad day or two, but you live and you learn. My best recommendation to anyone would be to try and keep your schedule as organized as possible, that and don't bite off more than you can chew. Trust me, I've learned the hard way that taking on a lot can have downfalls. Being in numerous weekly classes, needing to make film projects, working in theatrical productions, all while working a part-time job isn't the easiest feat, but still I manage... stage manage that is. Even with as crazy as our schedules can be one time, it's important to remember yourself. Even something as taking a few minutes to yourself at the beginning and end of the day, or even through the day can help to keep one grounded and less anxious about the events of the day. As long as you remember your limits and remember yourself then everything will work out in the end.