Paisley A. Wanamaker
Stage Manager & Theatre Educator
Portfolio - K-12 Performing Arts
Kids should have every opportunity to get involved, both in their local theatres and in theatre that sources
artists from across the nation.
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In that field, Paisley has worked as a
stage manager, teacher, counselor, &
coordinator. These entail everything
from scheduling fittings with parents
to long talks with teens experiencing home-
sickness for the first time. Party planning to escorting young
actors as they perform alongside professional opera singers.
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She takes pride in ensuring the experience is as smooth as possible for both the young cast members and the professionals working with them.
Stage Management Intensive
Hosted by Orphan Girl Children's Theatre
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Over the course of a week, 10 students between the ages of 13-18 years old learned the basic skills and purpose of a stage manager and assistant stage manager. They touched on:
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Reading ground plans and using spike tape in rehearsal.
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Reading and writing blocking shorthand, including an emphasis of clarity, being legible, and working under manufactured chaos.
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Report writing and prop tracking.
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Running a rehearsal room. What different tactics they can use to make communication as clear and respectful as possible.
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Running both a booth and a backstage crew, including calling cues.
Participants went home with a binder containing a 33-page reference pamphlet for them to reference in the future.
Matilda the Musical
Lyrics & Music by Tim Minchin
Book by Dennis Kelly
Directed by Elizabeth Crase
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Deck Manager, A2, SM Teacher
Orphan Girl Community Theatre
Butte, MT
Youth Performer Cast & Crew: 35
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Unique Elements
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Age range 7-18 y.o.
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Mentored the ASMs through their responsibilities
- Learned & fulfilled the responsibilities of an A2 for the 24 micced actors
- Organized the backstage space & trained the teenage technicians
Paisley is second in from the right.
Paisley is second in from the right.
Music Man & Ragtime
Composed by Ned Rorem
Libretto by J.D. McClatchy
Directed by Vanessa Ballam
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Student Life Team Member
Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute
Hilton Head, SC
Youth Performer Cast & Crew: 74 total
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Unique Elements
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Age range 14-17 y.o.
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Monthlong sleep away camp in style. Days were 8 AM-11 PM.
- Part of the Company Management team - including managing housing assignments, event planning, and travel logistics
- Distress prevention & conflict management as long hours & homesickness can create moments of upset
SPARK Arts - Dance
Directed by Brooklyn Draper
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Stage Manager & "Voice in the Sky"
University of Montana
Missoula, MT
TYA
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Unique Elements
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Educational show for the hundreds of 3rd graders in Missoula. Part of their elementary school Arts & Culture education
- Two rehearsals total, one in the space with the crew
- Lots of audience participation and negation of the fourth wall
Oliver!
Musical by Lionel Bart
Based on the novel by Charles Dickens
Directed by George Pinney
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Youth Performer Liaison
Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre
Logan, UT
Youth Performer Cast: 21
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Unique Elements
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Age range 7-17 y.o.
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Assisted in pick up rehearsals for the Oliver understudies when the overstudy was injured
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Tracking rehearsal items, such as kneepads
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Behavior management during rehearsal
Our Town
Composed by Ned Rorem
Libretto by J.D. McClatchy
Directed by Vanessa Ballam
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Youth Performer Liaison
Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre
Logan, UT
Youth Performer Cast: 12
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Unique Elements
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Age range 3-17 y.o.
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Very fast & simultaneous quick changes
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The whole cast froze onstage for several minutes, including the three year-old
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Helping the youngest cast members stay focused & find quiet ways to relax during rehearsal
Aida
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni
Directed by John de los Santos
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Youth Performer Liaison
Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre
Logan, UT
Youth Performer Cast: 3
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Unique Elements
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Age range 12-14 y.o.
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Two of the performers were totally new to theatre & joined during tech rehearsal.
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There were multiple two-story set pieces rolling backstage to navigate & that the performers climbed
Lohengrin
Musical by Lionel Bart
Based on the novel by Charles Dickens
Directed by George Pinney
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Production Assistant / Youth Performer Liaison
Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre
Logan, UT
Youth Performer Cast: 1
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Unique Elements
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Age 12
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Covered last minute for a Stagehand, moving set pieces & directing opera singers
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Ensured youth performer was timely for his cues