In Conversation With... Joni Franieczek

Describe a day in the life of a Deputy Stage Manager

A day in the life of a Deputy Stage Manager is always busy, and no two days are ever the same! During rehearsals in the studio, I take notes, time keep, produce rehearsal calls, create the prompt book and make sure everyone knows what’s happening on stage.

During technical rehearsals, it gets really exciting – we put everything together with costumes, the set, lights, sound, props, flys and more! My role during this is to get all of the cues into the prompt book so all of the backstage magic during the show works seamlessly.

On show days, I come into the theatre, help with re-setting the stage, call the cast for warm up and then make backstage calls to cast and crew letting them know how long they have until the show goes up. Five minutes before curtain, I call ‘Beginners’ to make sure cast and crew are in their places, and then it’s show time – all the hard work behind the scenes comes to life!

Can you tell us about the different roles within stage management?

Within a stage management team, everyone has a specific role, but we all work closely together to make a show run smoothly. The Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) usually makes and looks after the props, helps with backstage organisation and coordination, supports the cast during rehearsals and performances, and has their own track (duties) that they ‘perform’ for the show, e.g. scene changes, operating puppets and trap doors, etc.

The Deputy Stage Manager (DSM) is responsible for calling the show during the performance, which includes lighting, sound, flys, stage management and pyro cues. They coordinate between the cast, crew, creative and production team to ensure everything runs safely and on time.

The Company Stage Manager (CSM) oversees the entire stage management team and acts as the main point of contact between the production team, director and house management. They handle scheduling, rehearsal planning, budgeting, and making sure all aspects of the show are organised from start to finish.

Each role supports the others to make sure every performance runs smoothly and safely!

How did you get into stage management?

I first got involved in theatre by performing in pantomimes when I was younger, but after leaving secondary school, I discovered my real passion was backstage. I went to LIPA Sixth Form and was initially drawn to set and costume design, but when I got the chance to be an ASM on a show there, I knew stage management was where I wanted to be. This then led me to study Theatre and Performance Technology at LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts), specialising in Stage Management. My time there gave me invaluable hands-on experience, working both within university productions and in the industry.

How did you get involved with our Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto?

I applied for the role of Deputy Stage Manager (DSM) last year for Jack and the Beanstalk, having seen Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantos in Liverpool and absolutely loving them! After my interview, I was thrilled to be offered the job. I was then invited back for Aladdin this year – and it was a very easy ‘yes’!

What do you do outside of panto season?

Outside of panto season, I work on a variety of different productions throughout the year, ranging from amateur dramatics to music festivals to youth theatre. Most recently I was Stage Manager on Book for Shrek the Musical by BOS at the Little Theatre in Southport which was a lot of fun! I was also Stage Manager on Book for The Gardening Club: A New Musical at the Studio at the New Wimbledon Theatre in September – a project I’ve been a part of since university and one that’s been amazing to watch grow and develop. Earlier in the year, I was Deputy Stage Manager (DSM) for Leeds Grand Youth Theatre’s productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – part of the same incredible team behind the Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantos which made it extra special to be involved with.