Stage Manager - Luke Woodham

STAGES with Peter Eyers

On any successful theatre production, you'll find the key position is that of the Stage Manager. The role is a unique function because it serves as a key support to the director and production staff during the rehearsal period, and then becomes the figure in charge of the production during the actual performance. The running of the show rests on their shoulders. It's a vital role covering many facets - management of time and staff, delivery of a quality product and harmony in the enormous machinery of a big show. At the helm of many of our big commercial musicals and plays has been Luke Woodham - Luke has overseen the life of many productions throughout Australia - these have included 'The Book of Mormon', 'Strictly Ballroom', 'Matilda the musical' ...... and the theatrical juggernaut, 'War Horse'. A graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Luke is a native Tasmanian, who hasn't stopped working, in a variety of projects from corporate to festivals to concert to theatre, since graduation. Live performance can be a pressured environment and it pays to keep a cool head and a methodical approach - all of which Luke has in spades. It was an insightful conversation delving in to the world of Stage Management ... all called by the man on cans ... Luke Woodham.