I’d like to take a moment away from our usual content to discuss one of my favorite annual events happening this weekend.
The Broadway Stage Management Symposium.
This event provides an amazing opportunity for stage managers at any stage of their careers.
I’m still in awe that the wonderful organizer of this event discovered my humble blog and has invited me to be a part of it since 2017.
While the symposium centers around Broadway stage management, many of the seminars also cover essential general stage management skills and techniques.
This year’s seminars include:
- Authenticity in Stage Management
- Tech Talk: Good Communication, Technology & Techniques
- Health & Wellness for Stage Management
- The Power of Stage Managers
Additionally, there will be engaging discussions with some Broadway show teams. You can view the session schedule here.
The symposium goes beyond lectures; networking is a crucial aspect. Attendees range from students beginning their careers to seasoned professionals and Broadway alumni.
In-person networking breaks allow attendees to mingle, while online participants have various digital spaces to connect. In previous years, we even had a virtual speed networking component that paired stage managers randomly for quick chats.
The first night concludes with a trip to a Broadway show, followed by a post-show Q&A for in-person attendees, and an online watch party for virtual participants.
There’s also an exciting expo area where many symposium partners set up booths—this is typically where you can find me. In the early days of the symposium, I hosted a table where I taught budgeting skills and net worth calculations. Then the pandemic led us to shift online.
I’ll admit, my first two online symposiums were chaotic with technical hiccups. After that, I simplified my booth and directed attendees to my website instead.
Last year, I invited financial experts to engage with attendees during breaks between sessions.
This year, I’m keeping it simple (and battling through my second bout of COVID), focusing on grander plans for next year.
But as you can see, there’s plenty to engage with, and if stage management interests you, this is the event to attend this weekend.
You can still purchase your tickets! The Symposium costs $267 for in-person attendance and $197 for online participation.
