Imogen Says Nothing

By Aditi Brennan Kapil

Marisa Figueras - Production Stage Manager

Connecting as a PSM

As a stage manager, I aim to create an open working space of trust and connection. I've always felt that the work we do as theatre artists can be very vulnerable, so I strive to make the rehearsal room a space where people feel safe to try new things and lean on one another. I worked hard to maintain this space during my work as a PSM, despite me sitting behind the table with the director. I was intentional about creating relationships with our cast and creatives despite my leadership position, allowing them the space to trust me and turn to me when they needed.

Absurdism

Imogen Says Nothing has an absurd world that uses the power of the written word (literally) and uses captive bears to illustrate oppression and power dynamics. It was important for us to support the cast in their journey of dissecting the strange, unnatural world of the play. Throughout rehearsals, we had a lot of conversations about the nuances of the text and the characters in each scene. I worked to read the room during these conversations to make sure everyone's voices were heard; I kept an eye out for who looked like they wanted to speak and invited them to add to the conversation.

Communicating with Designers

My team and I created reports after each rehearsal and performance to communicate with our creatives outside of the room on the discoveries and changes we made each day. Throughout my work, I've focused on the voice I use when writing notes to most effectively communicate. When reading back a note I've written, I anticipate what questions may arise and answer them clearly.

Teching the Call

As the PSM, I worked during tech to create the artistic vision through the call of the show. I used my knowledge of the storytelling we built throughout the design process and in the rehearsal room to determine cue placements and sequences across lighting, sound, fly rail, and automation. I collaborated with our designers throughout these rehearsals, talking through moments and sequences to ensure the stage pictures we created worked cohesively.

Production Photos
all photos by Drew Lofredo