MEET A.C.T. TEACHER - KATIE MACK-MONTENEGRO!!

Ms. Katie is going to teach the Stage Management portion of our new Technical Inisghts class. Hear what she has to say about Stage Management and theatre in general.


SLOLT: Can you tell us what can be expected in your class(es)?
I hope that my classes will be fun and educational at the same time. Stage Managing is really exciting, for the right person. It takes a lot of discipline and multi-tasking, as well someone who is patient, good with people, and able to make quick decisions. I hope that my students will learn the balance between organizational side of things and the creative side. A stage manager really is lucky to be allowed to be involved in all aspects of the theatrical process meeting with all departments and it is such a great joy to see it all come together in the end. My students will learn so much about how a production runs from start to finish - all the inside tricks and secrets!

SLOLT: What is your philosophy on children/youth theatre training?
I feel that it is very important to get children involved in the arts at a young age. Music, theatre, and dance have been things that have always remained constants in my life - aspects that have taught be discipline, teamwork, focus, given me self-esteem and fun. In all the craziness that comes with growing up, the arts were the one thing that I could do where I felt comfortable and like "me." I was proud of all the time I would put into classes and learning lines and music and choreography, and then to share it with an audience was the cherry on top. To share that experience with others is such a blessing for me. And I truly believe that starting children out at a young age with something that they enjoy and can be proud of, like the theatre, is something that can only enhance other areas of their lives. Yes, theatre is fun and we play games and sing, dance, and dress up in fun costumes - but there is a lot of work that goes into getting there. The discipline and dedication it takes to be involved in a production is a big accomplishment at any age that one should be very proud of.

SLOLT: Can you tell us one of your favorite moments of your career so far?
That is an easy one. Opening night of NO BOYS ALLOWED! a play that I wrote and directed. I had spent a year of my life reading, researching, writing, designing, and directing this piece. When the house lights went down and those first stage lights started to come up, there was just a feeling of happiness and accomplishment that flowed through my whole body. I had done it. The play literally came to me in a dream and I woke up determined to make it happen, and in less then a year I had it on stage. It was an amazing night.

SLOLT: What’s your most embarrassing moment on stage?
This one is a little harder. Looking back I on certain performances there are things I wish I had worked harder on or had made stronger decisions about, but (knock on wood) I have never really had anything really embarrassing happen while I was on stage in the middle of a show. I am still young - so there is plenty of time for all of that!

SLOLT: What advice to you have for young thespians?
Here are a few rules and lessons I have learned in my 20+ years in the theatre - things that I never, ever forget:

Have fun! Being involved in the theatre is a major committment of time and self, and if you don't enjoy it then it's not worth it. You come first!

ALWAYS BE ON TIME! In the theatre, being on time means being early. On time is late and late is unacceptable. A rehearsal can't start without all people present. Don't hold up the team!
Always be friendly and respectful with the people you work with. Theatre is a collaborative artform and no one person could do a show with out the other people's support. A prop master, spot light operator, and actor are equally as valuable to a production.