And indeed, we each have many parts to play. It surprises some when I mention my career began in the theatre. My undergraduate degree from Middlesex University in London is in the performing arts. My love of theatre is all-encompassing. I was just as content behind the scenes as I was on stage. And so, my career began in stage management. I promised myself I would return to center stage if I missed acting. But that moment never came—I loved running the show from the prompt corner in the wings.
In 1986, when I was stage manager at Theatr Clwyd in Flintshire, Wales, we produced Hedda Gabler by the brilliant Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. The actress in the lead role was hesitant to fire the prop gun, so it fell to me to do so in the wings. It left my ears ringing for the run of the production! A stage manager’s role truly puts emphasis on this familiar line from job descriptions: “All other duties as assigned.”
