“What challenges did you overcome throughout this action project? How did you go about overcoming these challenges?”
Throughout this action project, I encountered, reencountered and overcame many challenges. These challenges came in two categories: communication and time management.
I navigated communicational challenges with a professional attitude, not letting personal interactions outside of stagecraft and rehearsal time negatively influence the work that got done within class or club time. In cases of communication with teachers, students and PAC outside of the crew, I acted as a conduit for my crew to ensure that everything we could do to keep events running smoothly and safely was taken care of, speaking respectfully with the expectation that if I act professionally that I will be treated in the same manner.
Time management problems have been overcome through communication and collaboration. By working with a team instead of having individual students taking on jobs by themselves, the deadlines for shirts, billboards and posters have been met with time to spare.
“How did this action change the way you think?”
This action allowed me to reflect upon the work I put into Stage Management and the Drama Department here at Charles Best. By updating the Butterfly Effect page and listing out the deadlines, events, performances, concerts, assemblies and more that I have completed, I have been able to truly encompass the time and effort that I have dedicated to the cast and crew. This has in turn made me even more grateful for the cast and crew, the respect and trust that they have for me to learn and grow along with them as we all work together to create something that did not exist before.
“How did this investigation/action impact your future decisions?”
This past year of Stage Management has taught me many things about how to professionally interact with peers, crew, professionals and adults to maintain respect and dignity between all parties. I have learnt the importance of humor among cast to create bonds, trust and to welcome conversation and critique as well as how to manage time, keeping myself and others on track.
I have applied to technical theatre plans for post secondary education, have been accepted into one school and have an interview scheduled for the other. My plans for the future revolve around the role I have right now, therefore, I will do my best to learn and teach all I can during the rest of my time here at Charles Best.
“What impact will this investigation/action have on others locally and/or globally?”
I have been told that I have made a positive impact in the drama community here at Charles Best Secondary school. Through healthy professional conversation and being a part of a legacy based teaching system, I have helped to further the drama programs at the school. Methods, techniques and knowledge that I have brought to the table as a crew member and as a Stage Manager have stuck and positively affected the work flow in the classroom and in the theatre, my wish it to continue to improve and grow along with the cast and crew, which will in turn allow for them to grow further on their own when I graduate.
Thank you for following along in my Action journey,
Melea Chew Roberts.
