Newtown High School Senior

Sees How It’s Done Backstage On Broadway

By Susan Coney

Newtown High School senior Alicia Tolson has made it to Broadway — not to sing or dance, but to shadow stage managers.

Alicia, who has been active in all the productions at Newtown High School since she first began attending, decided to contact stage managers of shows on Broadway in an effort to procure the chance to see what their job entails. Alicia, with the assistance of  NHS theater teacher Tom Swetts, wrote letters to stage managers of ten different Broadway shows currently playing asking them to allow her to job shadow for one day.

Fortunately for Alicia, two stage managers replied immediately and granted her request.

This summer Alicia arrived in New York City and was allowed to shadow the stage managers for the hit Broadway productions of Beauty And The Beast and Chicago. “I got to go back stage and look around, see all the sets, lighting, and special effects. I saw the dressing rooms and got to help call out times such as half hour to curtain. During the performances I got to wear a head set and listen to all the behind the scenes goings on. I even got to help move scenery in Beauty And The Beast,” she said.

Later this summer Alicia will job shadow the stage manager of The Boy Friend, directed by Julie Andrews through Goodspeed Musicals at the Norma Terris Theatre, a romantic and jazzy spoof of the 1920s era. “I emailed the stage manager for that production and they immediately emailed me back saying that I could come right up and watch everything,” Alicia added.

“It was a reality check to see how the stage manager runs things on Broadway. For a community or high school production the director is always there, but not at the professional level; the stage manager runs the show! The director is not going to be there to hold your hand anymore,” she emphasized.

When asked how she became interested in crafting her skills as a stage manager, Alicia said that when she was in the eighth grade she tried out for a play and did not get a part. “I still wanted very much to be involved in the production so I worked on the technical side. I have gotten acting parts since then but prefer to be behind the scenes,” she divulged. “I like stage management. It is very hands on. It involves every aspect of the play. It involves directing, casting, the technical part and when it comes to the performance, I run the show,” she said.

This summer Alicia has been involved in organizing two plays for kids at Treadwell Camp where she works. “I came to the site and asked if I could organize some plays with the kids. So far we have done Goldie Locks And The Three Bears and Little Red Riding Hood. The kids really get into it. They love it. They get to perform for the other kids at the camp and sometimes their parents come too,” she said.

Certain she wants to pursue a career as a stage manager at a professional level, Alicia has a long list of prospective colleges she would like to visit. “I would really like to go to University of Connecticut or Rhode Island College or maybe San Diego State University,” she said. At this point she is keeping all of her options open.