Exit Stage Left: Will Doughty's Role in Theater 308
NEIRAD enilno edition
For the Theatre 308 productions, we all see the performers on stage, but what about backstage? Who manages all of the behind-the-scenes mayhem? For the second time in a row senior Will Doughty will act as the Theatre 308 stage manager.
“I’m really excited to call the show - being the stage manager will be fun.” Will said.
Some of the challenges he will face are organizing the set and crew along with the actors for the production of “Inherit the Wind” later this month. (click here to read an "Inherit the Wind" preview) He will be the person telling people were they need to be and when they need to be there. Although this is a big task to take on, Will has the tools and experiences to make it a good show.
The group is lucky to land Will for “Inherit the Wind.” Theatre 308 isn’t Will’s only experience. His résumé is quite extensive. Will was chosen from more than 100 applicants for the position of stage manager apprentice in the professional Shakespeare on the Sound Production in Rowayton last summer.
Will’s Top 5 Favorite Shows
- "Les Miserables"
- "Midsummer Night's Dream"
- "Othello"
- "The Lion King"
- "Fantastiks"
Part of this extensive position required him to go into New York City every day for the entire month of May to help out and learn as much as he could about the industry. His jobs included being on book (giving actors lines when the needed them) and managing props and costume changes for the production of “Othello”. He was so successful in this position; he was one of the only apprentices’ who were asked back for a higher position next summer.
“I learned so much about the industry, it really help me figure out what I want to do.” Will said.
Helping organize a professional theater production that runs for five weeks that is viewed by approximately 15,000 people is no easy task. He was there for every single show; helping with whatever task they told him to do, from running to get the dry cleaning to helping with costume changes.
This experience is a crucial component to the success of, “Inherit the Wind” which will run Nov 18-20. Part of his job for “Inherit the Wind” is to write down blocking for scenes on show nights, give light and sound cues and technically “call” the show and tell everyone where they need to be.
“Since Will is dedicated to 308 and with all his experience, having him will lead to a really successful show” senior Alice Corrigan said.
He finds that his organization skills are most important when it comes to his job. He has a large responsibility that he takes seriously to make sure the show runs smoothly. Through all the craziness of behind the curtain he still really enjoys himself. “I like it. It is fun,” Will said.
In the past Will was the Student Production Manager for “The Curious Savage,” Director’s Assistant for “Fiddler on the Roof” and Production Stage Manager for the Summer MTW play, “High School Musical Two: On Stage."
Theater management is more than a high school extracurricular activity. He intends to go into the industry and stay behind the scenes. Already a quarter way to getting his equity card (an actor’s union card group, that make sure that the performers along with stage management get frequent breaks and benefits as well as certain professional productions). Will has a promising career in this industry, already working his way up from the bottom. He intends to study theater production in college with a concentration in stage managing.
