Stage Management & Event Management: A Perfect Match - A Discussion with Katherine Thesing, Project & Operations Manager
During the height of the COVID pandemic, an entire industry of live performers, artists, and those who support them, shut down and came to a halt. Lucky for ELE, we had the opportunity to borrow the talent of several star stage managers who are excellent event producers, thanks, in part, to their crack project management skills backstage. We sat down with Project & Operations Manager Katherine Thesing to discuss how stage management and event planning go hand-in-hand, as she is spending some time back behind the curtain as theaters are opening again.
Katherine has been with ELE since July 2020. She has been a steady presence for clients and ELE contractors alike, guiding us every step of the way and keeping us on task and on deadline with calm and grace. Before joining ELE, Katherine had worked on many shows as a stage manager, including her favorites: Ring of Fire, Dracula, Pipeline, and Airness.
To provide some background, tell us a little bit about being a stage manager and what you do on the day-to-day.
As a stage manager, you are the logistics head of the body, making sure everything on and off stage all comes together. You have to be very detail-oriented but also see the big picture. It’s also important to anticipate any snags that could occur, be prepared and able to adjust as needed. Although event implementation is different, these skills are very important to event planning and management as well.
Has it been a smooth transition back to stage management? And how are you feeling about it?
It’s nice to have things click back into place, I know stage management very well. Any job has its frustrations, but in theater, we love it so much and it’s hard to take it for granted - especially after theaters went dark during the pandemic. It’s a great community. I’m really happy to be bringing people together again for the arts. It’s really special to be in community with the actors, the audiences, the crew - we’ve all been excited to bring back live theater safely (our show is on an outdoor stage!).
How did stage management prepare you to jump into event management and visa-versa?
In stage management and event management, adaptability is key. In theater, the director provides the artistic vision and as stage managers, we help implement the best version possible. It’s very similar to events - our clients provide the vision and we execute with precision to create the best possible experience for our clients and their participants, attendees, and anyone who is in the “cast and crew” of making the event happen. In both situations, I have also learned the importance of staying calm and put-together in stressful situations.
What are some differences between stage management and event planning that you have noticed?
In theater, even though no show is the same and anything can happen, the shows are about replication. We know what is going to happen every night, eight shows a week. With events, although many events have the same elements, the design, purpose, and activities often vary so it can keep you on your toes! With events, we get one shot to make it right. At ELE there are always different challenges to solve in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, particularly with the pandemic. Theater is more about consistency.
We’re so glad you are able to do what you love in the theater and also work for ELE!
I’ve loved my time working with Erin and the team thus far! I’m so thankful to have found this team and look forward to continuing to do incredible work, with this incredible group.