The Stage Manager

The stage manager is one of the unsung heroes’ of the live gig. Their job is to ensure all goes well. Star throwing a tantrum, drummer forgotten his trousers, where the stage is or easier to deal with and something that never causes panic a mic going down mid performance, it is the job of the stage manager to ensure all goes ahead on the stage in the smoothest possible manner and in most cases that the audience is oblivious to the ensuing chaos.

Chapter one

The adventures of Keef LeSheath. Mild mannered librarian by day, mild mannered stage manager some of the other time.

Stage Manger – Keef LeSheath (please note the names have been changed to protect the guilty)

Aaaah, showbiz …. The thrilling adrenaline rush of a live performance, an eager audience crackle with excitement and backstage the performers buzz, preparing to take the stage and give their all…

Throughout this maelstrom one man stands firm – Keef LeSheath, Stage Manager! His brief? – ensure that everything runs smoothly and on time, from soundcheck to encore – liaising with artists, sound engineers, lighting technicians and stage crew, security, in fact just about everyone involved with the performance. Armed with little more than a clipboard, walkie talkie and obligatory laminated A.A. (that’s All Areas, not as many would claim Alcoholics Anonymous) pass, how does he work his magic?

Over a (purely medicinal) pint of Guinness, I probe Keef’s mind for the secrets of stage management, beginning with the skills required to fulfil this often demanding role. Good communication and awareness are paramount it appears, as well as the ability to organise and inspire all involved to give their best for the show. Timing is crucial too, many venues have stringent cut off times for performances with financial penalties levied at artists and promoters who over-run. Has there been such an occurrence at one of Keef's productions I enquire? “No”, he states firmly, we just “unplug ‘em….”

Professional perils abound for the stage manager – Keef has had to deal with fire alarm evacuations mid performance, faulty P.A Equipment, near monsoon conditions at open air events, even amateur surgery to remove a broken earpiece firmly lodged in the inner ear of a … you guessed it, drummer. For an event to run seamlessly the stage manager has to be juggling many tasks simultaneously, “Are the next act ready to go on?”, “are the band on stage running on time?”, “are the radio mics charged?”. He also needs to act as the liaison between the lighting and sound engineers and to ensure they all have the correct information schedule so the timing is perfect as a result they need to be calm but forceful at the same time. LeSheath typifies the breed even after I spilt my drink over him he still remained calm, but was very insistent that he used 3 ply not balm to wipe himself dry!

It is clear Keef maintains a healthy respect for the musician and artists he works with, and has been impressed by their commitment to live performance – If he’s been witness to celebrity tantrums and mis- behaviour he’s certainly not telling….

So what of the future for Mr LeSheath? With an extensive and credible list of artists under his belt already, who would he particularly like to work with? “The London Community Gospel Choir, Prince, Beastie Boys, Gorillaz, Tower of Power”…. Variety, it would appear, is the spice of this stage managers life. Bigger and better is the motto – some more festivals, an arena or two … wherever there’s a stage to be managed …. It’s only rock ‘’ roll but Keef LeSheath really rather likes it!