BRANDON STAUFFER

I believe stage management is fundamentally about people. While paperwork, schedules, cue calling, and organization are essential skills, they are simply tools used to accomplish something much greater: creating an environment where artists can do their best work. The stage manager serves as the bridge between creative vision and practical execution, leading with professionalism, empathy, clear communication, and calm decision-making.

My teaching emphasizes practical application. Students learn by producing theatre, solving real production challenges, and reflecting on the decisions they make throughout the rehearsal and performance process. I strive to connect every assignment to situations they will encounter in professional rehearsal halls, whether they pursue careers in theatre, live events, corporate production, or another collaborative field.

Because every production is different, I encourage students to become adaptable problem solvers rather than simply following established procedures. Successful stage managers must know when to rely on standard practices and when to think creatively, adjusting their approach to best support the artists, designers, technicians, and audiences they serve.

My classroom combines discussion, demonstrations, collaborative exercises, production simulations, technology, and hands-on experiences. Drawing from my professional work in theatre, live entertainment, venue operations, and production management, I incorporate current industry practices alongside the foundational principles of stage management. Students are encouraged to ask questions, experiment, learn from mistakes, and develop confidence through experience.

Above all, I hope students leave my courses understanding that exceptional stage management is not measured by how invisible the work becomes, but by the trust they build, the confidence they inspire, and the environment they create for others to succeed. Those qualities extend far beyond the theatre and prepare students to become thoughtful leaders in any collaborative profession.