Stage managing Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 was one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences I have had. We rehearsed 40-hour weeks for two and a half weeks over our winter term, which made for a very intense and rigorous process. With a 20-person cast and a large creative team, I had to keep everything running smoothly between various departments, including school administrators.
The raised orchestra pit and onstage musicians added to the dynamic energy of the show, with many actors playing instruments live. I also coordinated with house management to get audience members to sit onstage for each performance. Managing all of these elements, in addition to a snow machine, complex flying tracks, and the cast performing in the house required careful attention to detail, quick thinking, and a lot of negotiation, but it was an incredibly gratifying experience to help create such a vibrant and immersive piece of theatre.