Graphic by Maya Uribe
By Melisa Rodriguez
Behind every great production is a dedicated team ensuring everything runs smoothly. Maya Uribe, a senior studio arts major with an emphasis in animation and a performing arts minor in theater, has played a key role in bringing productions to life through her passion for stage management. We had the opportunity to sit down with her and discuss her journey, challenges and aspirations in the world of theater as she heads towards graduation.
From The Pit Orchestra to Stage Management
Uribe’s love for theater started in high school when she participated in the pit orchestra for “Freaky Friday” while also being part of the marching band. “After that, I got really into theater,” she shared. When Uribe transferred to CI, she joined the production class and quickly found herself stepping into the role of stage manager. “There wasn’t really anybody who wanted to do it, and I definitely wasn’t brave enough to go on stage, but I really liked being behind the scenes. After that, I just did every show after that.”
Favorite Productions and Experiences
Having worked on numerous productions at CI, Uribe finds it difficult to pick just one favorite. However, she explains, “I think my favorite play that we’ve done is probably ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ just because the costumes are really pretty and, like, the set was really cool.” In terms of musicals, “Into the Woods” holds a special place in her heart because of its complexity and large-scale production. She also enjoys “Project CI,” an annual performance festival that showcases a variety of acts, including music, dance and theater.
Taking CI’s Theater to the Next Level
One of Uribe’s most rewarding experiences was participating in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) in Arizona. This competition allowed her to showcase her work on a display board for the Design, Technology and Management (DTM) competition. “I needed to create a display board where I could show documentation of things I created to help our production be successful,” she explained. The experience gave Uribe the opportunity to present her work to industry professionals and connect with other stage managers from across the country.
Overcoming Challenges in a Small Theater
Unlike most college theaters, CI’s black box theater presents unique challenges, particularly due to its limited space and lack of a traditional tech booth. Uribe described, “Our tech booth is just a little wooden stand at the top of the stands and a foldable table.” Unlike larger theaters where stage managers call cues over a headset, she often finds herself sitting right next to audience members, making quiet and precise communication a priority.
For productions like “Into the Woods,” managing complex set changes was another challenge. “We had a giant tower that would flip from one side of it being a tree and the other side being a tower… a couple movable trees on stage, as well as three different houses that were on wheels that moved,” she said. Without the ability to communicate with crew members mid-show, ensuring seamless transitions required extensive rehearsals. “We have crew specific rehearsals, where we run specific scenes that have a lot of. Movements over and over again… Once we knew for sure what those movements would be, we then would bring our cast in and tell the cast exactly what was happening.” She described how they would run the scene slowly first to make sure no one would get hurt, and then practice it faster afterwards.
Future Plans and Advice for Aspiring Stage Managers
As graduation approaches, Uribe hopes to continue working in theater and expand her skills into lighting design. “I’ve also recently been really into lighting design, so I hope to also help program lights for different types of shows, whether it be musicals and plays or even like music festivals as well.” For students interested in stage management, she emphasizes the importance of preparation. “I have a stage management box, and I have both medical supplies. I have like, a million different kinds of tape, even something as random as like WD 40… you’ll never know what you’ll need.”
Uribe also stresses the importance of documentation, “Always take notes…Your job is to help ensure that your shows can go smoothly. So even if you don’t think a minor detail is important, I always say, take the note anyway.” Uribe’s journey in theater showcases the dedication and behind-the-scenes work that brings productions to life. With her passion and expertise, she is sure to make an impact in the industry.
