Standing stage-left after having left the stage

By Djembe Archibald

Sep 3, 2024

I’m learning the ropes of being a theatre stage manager. Pictured is stage manager Rosie Davis, giving instructions before a performance of *The Barber of Seville* at the English National Opera in London. Photo: EPA/ AAP

I remember my first production like it was yesterday. It wasn’t — it was 11 years ago — but the memory stands.

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It was The Wizard of Oz at St Aug’s in Kyabram and I was a cheeky little munchkin.

I was in Grade 3 and very untalented but boy, was I enthusiastic.

Enthusiastic enough to keep going, doing another production at Ky, doing singing lessons, joining Dilmac Entertainment — everything a smalltown theatre nerd can do.

But my real love of theatre began in Year 9. My first big role.

Not to flex or anything, but I was the Artful Dodger in Oliver! The Musical. Stay jealous.

I loved every part of the show.

Rehearsing, costume day, doing makeup, running lines in my head on the way to the theatre. I even enjoyed the notorious tech week, but most obviously I loved performing.

Putting months of blood, sweat and tears into every performance and celebrating with my fellow cast-mates after each show.

It wasn’t until that year that I really understood how much work the crew did. I will always admire the techs, prop and costume designers, set builders, stage managers and everyone else involved in getting a show to the stage.

As life got more tiring and stressful, I stopped theatre.

My last performance was Chicago in 2022 with Initial Stages, but that closed down. Rest in peace.

I didn’t know when the next time I would walk on to the stage would be, but I didn’t think it will be soon.

That was until I found out Little Shop of Horrors, Shepparton Theatre Arts Group’s 2024 major musical, needed a last-minute assistant stage manager.

I put my hand up immediately. This was perfect. I could do theatre without having to commit months of my life.

The commitment is just squeezed into several nights of five-hour-long rehearsals.

I am lucky however to be working alongside such an incredible stage manager.

She’s funny and kind, she’s super organised and on top of everything all at once. I mean, what else could you ever want in a stage manager?

Me on the other hand, I am clumsy and distracted and not super organised. So thank you for putting up with me Laura, I really appreciate it.

What I’m really trying to say is that I had my time in the spotlight and now I’m the one marking the spot where the light goes for others and I couldn’t be more chuffed.

A big shout-out to STAG for taking a chance on an inexperienced girl like me. I can’t wait for this weekend.

Oh, also, for anyone reading this who hasn’t already, buy tickets. Please.