Stage Management

STAGE MANAGEMENT 

Emily's interest in working behind the scenes came from working backstage on summer theatre productions when she was too young to be in the show. She then assumed the role of "Stage Manager" for the Jr/Sr class play as a sophomore. Then, due to limited attendance of the SM in her summer theatre Little Shop of Horrors, Emily basically took the role of Deck Chief unofficially while being in the ensemble of the show.

All of these experiences started pushing Emily towards stage management but it wasn't until college that the focus really solidified. Emily was recruited to be an ASM for Doctor Faustus Lights the Lights - after having worked under the same SM and director as a light board operator in the previous semester - and quickly discovered her love for the position! Emily continued to work as an ASM on shows before moving up to SM. 

Emily was then hired to work at Stagedoor Manor as an ASM/Counselor and is excited to have just finished her second summer there!

PAPERWORK

Calling Script for Bye Bye Birdie at Stagedoor Manor

(Excerpts)

Created using a pdf editor to combine scans of the score and libretto, then the Notability app to add (and be able to easily edit) the cues to maximize visibility and ease of calling cues


Lighting Design by Jack Tidball

Sound Design by Hannah Bracegirdle

Scenic Transitions Chart for Bye Bye Birdie at Stagedoor Manor

(Page 1 of 5)

Created using Google Sheets to make a chart of scenic transitions with the musical numbers for ease of locating when each takes place, ensuring young cast members are able to reference what they need to do or move, where, and when, as well as provide a reference for deck cues for stage crew


Scenic Design by Kate Winegarden

COVID-19 Procedures for Spark by Pitt Stages

Created using Adobe InDesign in a style reflecting the scenic design by Alex Dolinger and lighting design by TJ Hays and using the language of the Game in the play by Tom Arvetis to convey the rules and restrictions in a more interesting, fun, and team-based way

Foley Props Diagram for The Verge by Pitt Stages

Created using the Notability app to assist stage crew with setting the large amount of foley props in the appropriate places to be easily accessed by the actors as needed (Foley by Parag Gohel, Props by M.K. Hughes)

Ground Plan for Spark by Pitt Stages

Ground plan marked with several sets of scaled measurements indicating the location of each of the several hexagonal prisms that made up the set for the ability to tape the set. out on the floor (with circles marked as well in the center to ensure the possibility of choreography with the appropriate 6 feet of distance was possible)

Click on the button on the right to access a portfolio of more paperwork examples!

Highlights

Stage Management Team (2022)

Stagedoor Manor

Abby Austin (PSM), Jessie Higgins (PSM), Emily Niedbala (ASM), Sam White (SM), Jazz Simmers (SM), Megan Pelaccio (SM), Jennifer Kiefer (SM),  Jennifer Kelly (SM), Katie Marks (SM), Kris Dibastiani (SM), Harry Gledhill (SM), Katie Chabot (SM) [not pictured: Alyssa Hartley (SM), Jack Tidball (SM)]

Team of stage managers, most of whom were also counselors, at the end of the summer 2022 season at Stagedoor

Stage Management Team (2023)

Stagedoor Manor

Bethaney Green (SM), Megan Coatney (SM), Julia Witty (SM), Frankie Mastras (SM), Katie Hurst (SM), Emily Niedbala (ASM), Leanna Niesen (SM), Mary Cooper (SM), John M. (SM), Alisabeth Westfall (SM), Beth Austin (SM), Aimee Hart (ASM), Anna Birch (SM), Abby Austin (PSM), Jessie Higgins (PSM) [not pictured: Ryan Gordon]

Team of stage managers, most of whom were also counselors, at the end of the summer 2023 season at Stagedoor

Assistant Stage Manager

Cheating Fate by Pitt Stages

Emily Niedbala (ASM)

Return to Pitt Stages now as a professional assistant stage manager, utilizing the fully accessible Henry Heymann Theatre to get to work in my wheelchair!

Scenic Design by Britton Mauk

Substitute ASM

A New Brain by Pitt Stages

Emily Niedbala (Sub ASM)

Last minute replacement for the ASM in dress rehearsal due to a potential COVID-19 exposure (wearing scrub top to blend in while moving set pieces onstage)

ASM/Counselor

Stagedoor Manor

Emily Niedbala (ASM/SM)

Theatre camp! Seen here on the dorm floor awaiting performance on show day and backstage at Bye Bye Birdie after setting up for a performance 

Scenic Design by Kate Winegarden, Lighting Design by Jack Tidball

Stage Management Team

Why We Have A Body by Pitt Stages

Amanda Cooke (ASM), Emily Niedbala (SM), Mikki Monfalcone (ASM)

First mainstage production as an SM!


Scenic Design by Gianni Downs

Assistant Stage Managers

Spark by Pitt Stages

Emily Niedbala (ASM), Abby Dean (ASM)

Filmed and edited theatre production created during the pandemic


Scenic Design by Alex Dolinger, Lighting Design by TJ Hays

Classes

Intro to Stage Management - Annmarie Duggan

Stage Management 2: Ethics of Theatre Management - Annmarie Duggan