Behind the Scenes: The Insider Talks to Stage Manager Shianne Steck About Upcoming Performance

With March already halfway over, the spring performance, “Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play,” is fast approaching. This is a reminder to students, faculty, and staff that tickets can be bought for $5 online or in-person for the show running from Thursday, April 3 through Saturday, April 5 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 6 at 2:30 p.m. in Ferguson Theater. 

The Insider had the chance to speak with the stage manager, senior visual and performing arts major with minors in gender studies and writing, Shianne Steck.

As the stage manager, Steck says, “I keep track of every element of the show, I make sure everyone and everything is where they should be, doing what they should be doing.” 

When asked how the production is coming along, Steck says that every day is different. “Right now, we are not at the place we will be tomorrow, let alone the place we’ll be at for opening night.” She says that every production has its bumps, but that it’s just part of the process. “Our cast is super talented and adaptable, and they’ve handled the challenges of this strange three-act play very well.”

In addition to being the stage manager, Steck is also creating a digital story of a behind the scenes look at the production. She says the idea was brought about after a particularly long rehearsal. 

“I was thinking about how many moments at rehearsal I would’ve loved to catch on camera, and I often catch cast members looking at me like the characters in ‘The Office’ do. Inspiration struck around midnight, after a particularly long and difficult rehearsal,” Steck says. 

Steck tells The Insider she wants others to see how the process of theater really comes together, and, although it may be a difficult one, it’s worth it in the end. 

“I want other people to see that and see how even though it is chaotic and crazy and very difficult at times, it is easy to fall in love with and keep coming back,” she says. 

Steck is excited about this project and taking it with her after she graduates. 

“The show itself is sort of a love letter to theater, so it’s kind of sweet to be making my own love letter, specifically to UPG theater.”

Steck is not a stranger to the difficulties behind a production coming together, her role as stage manager and making sure everything is in order, to creating a behind the scenes look at the performance. She tells The Insider what she is most looking forward to with “Mr. Burns.” 

“I am looking forward to hearing people’s reactions to this show. ‘Mr. Burns’ is a weird one, with a lot of shock value and surprises some audience members may not be expecting. ‘Mr. Burns’ has the potential to really make the audience think about…a lot of things,” she says. 

Steck also mentions something new that they’ll be trying this year for opening night: a formal gala. 

“We are encouraging everyone to dress up and come a bit early to enjoy free refreshments and celebrate the show’s opening,” she says.

The Insider encourages everyone to go out and see the performance of “Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play.” Tickets can be purchased via this link. Tickets purchased at the box office are cash only.