From High School Theater To The Pros: Lessons From A Professional Stage Manager

In this episode of Blue Jesters Backstage, the high school theater student stage manager interviews Dani Pruitt, a professional stage manager working in the theatre and live performance world. They talk about what a stage manager actually does, how Dani got started, and what skills matter most backstage. Organization. Communication. Leadership. Staying calm when things go wrong. Dani shares real stories from professional productions and explains how stage management keeps a show running smoothly from the first rehearsal to closing night. The conversation connects classroom stage management to real world careers. It highlights why stage managers are essential, how students can prepare for the job now, and what directors and production teams look for in strong stage managers. This episode is for students interested in backstage theatre roles, educators teaching technical theatre, and anyone curious about how shows really come together behind the scenes.