Hazel: Technical Theatre PortfolioBeyond the Stage
Learning From the Community
Home / Beyond the Stage / Learning From the Community
Before starting high school, I reached out to upperclassmen, directors, and teachers to understand what high school theatre is really like. These conversations changed how I look at stage management and helped me build a roadmap for joining the crew.
“Regarding tech, I’d say the best way to get a foot in the door is just be as involved as possible.”— Outgoing high school troupe president
What this taught me
The best way to find your place in high school tech is simply showing up, volunteering for shop days, and getting involved early. Because of this advice, I reached out to the incoming troupe president to ask how I could support her team before school even started.
What it shows about me
I don’t wait for opportunities to find me. I am proactive and ready to dive into summer workdays, shop clean-ups, and troupe committees from day one.
“If you’d like to do sound for our mainstage productions… learn the aspects of QLab… learn the basics of stage mics… learn about all the hardware.”— High school troupe president
What this taught me
This gave me a concrete summer checklist for the sound track: mastering software like QLab 5 and studying hardware ahead of time is the fastest way to step up.
What it shows about me
I take direction well and love doing the heavy lifting early. I spent my summer building a 6-track score and automating network cues in QLab 5 for a virtual show.
“Sometimes it gets a bit overbearing, and you’ll have to learn to set boundaries and have a good handle on a work-life balance.”— High school technician
What this taught me
The push for perfection can get heavy, and setting personal boundaries is a required skill to keep from burning out.
What it shows about me
This is why I practice a “T-Minus 48-Hour Battery Lockout” routine before big projects, protecting my energy so I can hold the rest of the company steady.
“Be open to trying new technical positions while also focusing on showcasing your strengths.”— High school stage manager
What this taught me
Technical positions are competitive, so you have to showcase your specific strengths while staying flexible.
What it shows about me
I thrive in high-stakes environments. A fully compiled portfolio shows I’m ready to contribute as an ASM or sound assistant.
“If you are always at a 10, people stop listening. People will take you more seriously if you are calm, clear, and respectful.”— Senior stage manager
What this taught me
Yelling over a headset never works. True leadership means staying kind and level-headed, and making sure your crew knows when you’re in stage manager mode.
What it shows about me
This defines my leadership style. After reviewing my portfolio, she said she had no doubt I would make an amazing stage manager.
“It is always best to lean on others who are there to help you, rather than trying to do all the work yourself.”— High school stage manager
What this taught me
A stage manager has assistant stage managers for a reason; real success comes from trusting your team.
What it shows about me
On Alice in Wonderland Jr., I focused on training the incoming ASM. Leadership is about building a team you can rely on.
“The directors want to know more about you and what you can actually bring to the table.”— High school student
What this taught me
Directors care about practical skills that can be applied backstage — mixing sound, fixing a light, handling set pieces on a messy deck.
What it shows about me
I am open to critique. Based on this advice, I redesigned my entire portfolio format.