Backstage Breakdown

Evangeline is a seasoned stage manager who has worked on and off Broadway, on national tours, regionally, and currently teaches future stage managers at Webster University how to thrive in the theater world.    BIO: Evangeline has worked on and off Broadway, in regional theatres across the country, on international and national tours, with ballet and contemporary dance companies, and with large-scale corporate and industrial events. In her current hometown, she has worked with the St. Louis Rep, the Muny, and the St. Louis Ballet. She has been a professor of stage management at Webster University since 2020 and holds an MFA in stage management from UC San Diego. In her non-theatre life Evangeline is a competitive figure skater and skates on an adult synchronized skating team in St. Louis. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking, cycling, and hanging out with friends and family!   Backstage Breakdown answers questions like:   What are the similarities and differences between Broadway, Off-Broadway, Regional, and Touring productions when working as a Stage Manager? What’s it like being on the road with a show? What excites you about Stage Management? What brings you back? What was it like being a “professional freelancer” for fifteen years? What made you stop freelancing and move to a full time professorship? What have the last few years been like for you since making that change? Theme music by Barrett Riggins. BARRETT RIGGINS is a composer and lyricist based in Brooklyn. He won the 2025 Richard Rodgers Award for HELSINKI (Upcoming; The New Group, Selection; NAMT). He is represented by UTA and the Hybrid Agency.

Jay Sheehan sits down with Allison & Elizabeth and has a candid conversation about mental health in both the classroom and the workplace.  Jay talks about his own challenges while encouraging others.  A multi hyphenate creative with an impressive resume who reminds us that no matter how far your career takes you, it’s important to never lose your belief in yourself and your compassion for others.     Jay Sheehan (he/him) Jay has been overseeing the production management and stage management areas for the School of Theatre, Television and Film at San Diego State University where he leads the Certificate in Entertainment Management Program for the School. In addition to leading the production management area, Jay teaches stage management, production management, event planning, and live concert production. A published author, Jay co-wrote the first textbook about production management in the United States. The Production Manager’s Toolkit has been an international best seller in the Routledge Press Toolkit series. The Second Edition was released on March 14th, 2023 Jay is a 20-year member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology and was the recipient of the USITT Wally Russel Award for Outstanding Mentorship in 2022. He is a 30-year member of Actors Equity Association and spent his early career at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. Jay’s resume is extensive.   He is also the owner of his own production company, Cue One Productions, whose event list includes the NFL Super Bowl, and Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game Special Events. He also produces many charity galas and corporate events across the United States. Backstage Breakdown answers questions like: What is imposter syndrome? How does it affect us on a daily basis?  How does this affect professionals vs. students (is there a difference?) Does it ever go away?  How do we persevere in times of hardship?  How do you balance work and personal life?  What are Mental Health Days?   Join Jay, Allison, & Elizabeth through a guided meditation as they close out this episode.    Backstage Banter The Podcast  Bryan Runion and Jay Sheehan  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstage-banter/id1778487958    Production Managers Tool Kit  Second Edition  Cary Gillett and Jay Sheehan https://a.co/d/01r3BVSv    Let Go It Will All Get Done  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5cTakAaXNlsNAhZJGM2p6i Donna D’Cruz   The Four Agreements  https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319 by Don Miguel Ruiz (Author), Janet Mills Theme music by Barrett Riggins. BARRETT RIGGINS is a composer and lyricist based in Brooklyn. He won the 2025 Richard Rodgers Award for HELSINKI (Upcoming; The New Group, Selection; NAMT). He is represented by UTA and the Hybrid Agency.