Video Critique

This video is an interview of a stage manager for a touring rock band. With any type of performance, whether it be a concert or theatrical event, the stage manager still completes the same basic function. The man being interviewed in this video talks first about the load-in process, or the unloading of equipment off of trucks and into the performance space, and what challenges sometimes come with that time. He says that he is in charge of making sure the load-in process is occurring in a timely manner. He also comments on how it is his job to ensure that everything is running correctly by conducting a sound check on every musical instrument being used in the show that particular night. The point that he empasizes is that if anything is wrong, it is his job to fix it or find someone to fix the problem. Ultimately, the responsibility for the show falls back on the stage manager.
I like how he explains the basic duties of a stage manager. The duties such as performing sound checks and problem solving can be applied to any aspect of live performance. I also like how he tells his personal technique to managing the load-in process of the band. I have only stage managed in-house shows, therefore getting to receive insight to what a touring stage manager does is really helpful. In my opinion, a touring stage manager performs the basic duties as an in-house stage manager, except they tend to receive the responsibility of supervising the load-in process at each venue or theatre.

"Backstage Pass: Stage Manager." Youtube. Web. 3 Apr 2010.