BWW Blog: Sarah Osman - Getting to Know the Freshmen Actors and Stage Managing

House down... Curtains opening... Go! Cue 634... Go! Showtime!!!

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of stage managing the freshmen portion of my school's Underclassmen Actors' Showcase. I had never stage managed before and I was extremely nervous about taking on the position.

I had assistant stage managed a show the year prior, but I always wanted to learn more about what goes on in the light booth and what it was like calling the show. I was unsure about the position, however, because I didn't know how to approach it and was worried about messing up a show.

After a 13 hour long tech day, split between the freshmen and sophomores (with us juniors teching), I believe I grasped what I needed to in order to have the show run smoothly the next day.

Though I was nervous, I found myself becoming more and more at ease; and that was not only because I was getting more comfortable with stage managing, but also because I had gotten to spend time with the freshmen actors and their director. The days I spent learning about stage managing, I also spent learning more about the freshmen class.

In the past, freshmen acting showcases were a compilation of presenting theatre games gone over in class, simple scenes, monologues, and explanations of the lessons learned in class. This year however, the freshmen performed an anthology called "The Bully Plays".

"The Bully Plays" is a show consisting of a monologue and a series of one acts dealing with the issues of non-acceptance and bullying. While watching the freshmen perform their showcase, I saw them do the play justice. They truly depicted the stories; earning laughs and powerful moments of silence, effectively getting the anti-bullying and acceptance messages across. I could tell the class understood what they were performing and I believe it was the perfect piece for the class to work on.

Working alongside their director/teacher, and my acting teacher- Doug Bollinger, I got to know the youngest acting majors at the school. Much like their teacher, they were extremely invested in the show, working to make their performances better each time they went over it. They listened to direction and were so kind to one another, I could see that they genuinely cared for each other. They were having so much fun doing what they loved, and it was incredible! It was lovely getting to know them and I am so glad I have made some great friends.

Looking at their class, I remembered my junior acting class when we were freshmen. Just like them, we were excited to put on our very first show together. They had a class circle right before the show, just like we did, and we all held hands and gave each other a big squeeze, passing on our positive energy to one another. I hope the adorable freshmen continue to hold on to their excitement for performing and their love for each other, as I believe my class has. I can't wait to see them grow and perform more, because I know they will do great things!

-Sarah Osman

Special thanks to: Class of 2019 Actors

Freshmen showcase director / my acting teacher: Doug Bollinger

Photography credits to: Krupa Naik

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