STAGES SPOTLIGHT - CONVERSATIONS REVISITED - INTERNATIONAL STAGE MANAGER’S DAY; LUKE WOODHAM - from February 7, 2019

STAGES with Peter Eyers

With SIX seasons and 450+ episodes in the STAGES archive …. from time to time we revisit conversations previously featured.
STAGES spotlights such episodes, in case you missed them first time ‘round - or so you can simply savour a second listen. The STAGES podcast opens an essential doorway to access precious oral histories from the people who were … and are, on and around our stages.
Conversations with Creatives about craft and career!
In this episode, we celebrate International Stage Manager’s Day, spotlighting a conversation with Stage manager - Luke Woodham; recorded in February 2019.
On any successful theatre production, you’ll find a key position is that of the Stage Manager. The role is a unique function because it serves as a key support to the director and production staff during the rehearsal period, and then becomes the figure in charge of the production during the actual performance. The running of the show rests on their shoulders.
It’s a vital role covering many facets – management of time and staff, delivery of a quality product and harmony in the enormous machinery of a big show.
At the helm of many of our big commercial musicals and plays has been Luke Woodham – Luke has overseen the life of many productions throughout Australia – these have included The Book of Mormon, Strictly Ballroom, Mary Poppins, Matilda the musical …… and the theatrical juggernaut, War Horse.
A graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Luke is a native Tasmanian, who hasn’t stopped working since graduation, in a variety of projects from corporate to festivals to concert to theatre.
Live performance can be a pressured environment and it pays to keep a cool head and a methodical approach – all of which Luke has in spades. It was an insightful conversation delving in to the world of Stage Management … all called by the man on cans … Luke Woodham.
STAGES celebrates all the Stage Manager’s running our shows around the country today. You can celebrate a Stage Manager on this International Stage Manager’s Day by going to one of these shows.
Mr Woodham, Mr Eyers … beginners please!