Sarah Short Leads from the Wings for Otterbein’s Next Production
By Elizabeth Saltzgiver, managing director of Otterbein University Department of Theatre & Dance
Sarah Short, 2020 graduate of Otterbein University with degrees in business administration and theater, is the Volunteer Engagement Program Officer at ServeOhio, Ohio’s commission on service and volunteerism. In addition to this, she works as a stage manager and front of house manager for Columbus area theaters and CAPA events. She is currently stage manager for the upcoming Otterbein Theatre & Dance and Music production of Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812, Nov. 14-23.
Elizabeth: How do you describe your work as a stage manager?
Sarah: As a stage manager, I serve as a hub for organization, record keeping and communication. I coordinate the rehearsal and performance schedule and ensure the rehearsal room is moving smoothly and effectively. I track all blocking and choreography, as well as technical cues, such as lighting and sound cues. I also serve as the main point of communication between the rehearsal room and the production staff, as well as between the artistic team and the cast and crew. I will also execute the performances by calling cues for lighting, sound and scenic changes and troubleshooting any unexpected issues.
Elizabeth: What influenced your decision to become a stage manager?
Sarah: I kind of fell into stage management in high school since it was a great outlet for my organizational skills. My time at Otterbein laid the foundation, but a lot of the shaping of my stage management work has happened since graduating from Otterbein. I learn something new on every show I am a part of, no matter my role. I particularly enjoy getting to observe stage managers on touring productions while I house manage and getting to see so many different techniques and skill sets.
Elizabeth: What has excited you about working on Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812?
Sarah: It is a pretty complicated show and it has been very exciting working with the production team, stage management team and cast to figure out. The music and movement are all so intertwined with the set and will be enhanced by the costumes. I have also loved getting to work alongside students in the cast and crew. I love being a part of their exploration and growth as artists.
Elizabeth: How does the work on this production differ from that of a traditional musical?
Sarah: Since this show is sung-through and only has a brief moment of spoken dialogue, it is very unique. So much of the movement on and offstage is fueled directly by the music, which at times is very complicated. While a stage manager would typically call the show’s cues off the script and maybe some parts of a score, I will be calling the cues exclusively off the score, which an exciting challenge for me.
Elizabeth: What other projects will you be joining?
Sarah: I am excited to have the chance to be the assistant stage manager the CAPA Marquee Awards this spring. It will be a chance to work with the next generation of incredibly talented performers and technicians.
Elizabeth: When not managing behind the scenes, what do you do for fun?
Sarah: Outside of theater, I spend a lot of time with my dog and small crafts. I also love to visit the Columbus Zoo and take photos of the animals.
Elizabeth: What is on your pre-rehearsal playlist?
Sarah: I like to gather song ideas from the cast for my pre-rehearsal playlist, but I always add “I2I” from A Goofy Movie.
See Sarah’s work in action in the Otterbein Theatre & Dance and Music production of Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812, Nov. 13-17 and 21-23 in the Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database and artist stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.