LDI and the Stage Managers' Association present the Stage Managers Academy, two days of sessions on stage management and show calling on December 6 & 7 in Las Vegas (Las Vegas Convention Center, West Hall).
The Stage Managers Academy continues the tradition launched by the stage management bootcamp at LDI 2023. “Live entertainment is continually evolving. A very important part of making it work falls on the event or stage manager. As freelancers, there are few places we can go to hone our skills, talk with others and ask key questions. The SMA has collaborated with LDI to put together a very timely series of conversations surrounding innovations (or changes) in the field and how they fit into our daily work life. Please join us at LDI at an event especially designed for stage and event managers in the live entertainment industry,” comments Elynmarie Kazle, president of the Stage Managers' Association Foundation.
This year, the Stage Managers Academy is part of the LDInstitute, which includes two days of dedicated sessions with networking lunches. The schedule* is as follows:
Saturday, December 6
9:30-9:40am: Welcome and Introduction: The purpose and schedule for the two days. Plus: An introduction to the Stage Managers’ Association as well as to the Foundation for Stage Managers. Elynmarie Kazle
9:40–11am: Showcalling 101: From soup to nuts, starting from the beginning; a tutorial (or refresher) in the art and logistics in calling a live event from start to finish. Troy Peters, Chris Roysden
11:10am—12:30pm: Calling Live Shows with a Broadcast Component: We’re both speaking english, why can’t we understand each other? Speakers: Jon Allen, Mandy Nussbaum, Josh Spodick, Teresa Aguilera
12:30-1:30pm: Lunch. Plus: Trivia activity “What do you call it?” with prizes.
1:30-2:30 pm: Calling Live Musical Acts: Moving past opera, musicals and into the crazy world of large concerts. Speakers: Marci Skolnick, Jon Allen
2:30-3:40pm: Calling Multi-Source Wide-Screen Productions: A deep dive into the nuances of calling intricate, multi-source, wide-screen productions. Speakers: Jon Allen, Chris Merriman, John Marovich, Teresa Aguilera
3:50-5:00pm: Disasters and Missteps: Moving Past Mistakes: How to deal with mistakes and accidents, an open discussion of things we’d rather forget. Moderator: Troy Peters. Speakers: Jon Allen, Marci Skolnick, Josh Spodick, Sam Caughron, Mandy Nussbaum
Sunday, December 7
9:30-10am: A Look At The State Of The Industry: What are people looking for. Audience participation. Speakers: Elynmarie Kazle, Jon Peters, Troy Peters, Marci Skolnick, Mandy Nussbaum, Teresa Aguilera
10am–11:20am: Automation In Production: How to deal with modern technology than can kill people. Speakers: Jon Allen, Josh Spodnick
11:30am-12:30: Women In Events and Broadcast Media: Are women still breaking in? Who has arrived? What are you facing in these rooms today? Moderator: Marci Skolnick. Speakers include: Teresa Aguilera
12:30-1:30pm: Lunch. Plus: Trivia activity “Who are you and what do you do?” with prizes.
1:30-2:30pm: The BUSINESS Of Show Business: It's right there in the name. Discussion of how to make a living while doing what we love. It is healthy, sustainable, livable, and how to we practice it responsibly and holistically. Moderator: Elynmarie Kazle. Speakers: Nancy Spooner, Jon Allen
2:30- 3:45pm: Toxicity In Production: A show isn't great if the process is painful. Moderator: Marci Skolnick. Speakers: Jon Allen, Sam Caughron
3:40-4:45pm: You Deserve Your Attention: Taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of others. Empathy and respect within the production environment should be critical for a successful show. Moderator: Sam Caughron. Speakers: Jon Allen, Marci Skolnick
4:45 - 5:15 pm: It’s A Wrap: How did we do? What’s next? How do we continue the conversation?
5:30pm: Closing reception at Circle Bar.
Price: $569 ($669 after 10/14) / Lunch is included.
SMA members receive a significant discount to attend the Stage Managers Academy. The discount code can be found in the members-only group and in the SMA Newsletter.
*sessions and speakers subject to change