As the stage manager for Dancing at Lughnasa, I was presented with several exciting and interesting challenges; a relatively short rehearsal period, a first-time Mainstage student director, and a dense text. Lughnasa was the first Mainstage I had stage managed with a student director. Thankfully, the director, Matt Moore, is both a friend and colleague, as we have collaborated on numerous Black Box productions prior to Lughnasa. However, Lughnasa was the first Mainstage that we have worked on together. This unique situation created several learning experiences for both of us, as the department left us pretty much on our own to form and shape the show. For Matt, having an experienced stage manager was helpful, and for me, working with a new director was exciting and fun. Throughout the process, we relied heavily upon one another for support and encouragement; it was quite refreshing to be able to have this new experience in a position I've held for several other shows.

The actual process of producing Lughnasa presented several challenges to the entire company. The biggest challenge was when Brigette Choura broke her foot during a dance class about two weeks prior to our opening. Brigette was cast as "Chris", the youngest of the five sisters, and the love interest of "Gerry". This rather upsetting event was turned into a positive when we were able to fill Brigette's role by casting Kristy Greener, and Brigette was able to inherit the assistant director position. The company was very upset to see Brigette off the stage, but she provided an inspiration for all of us as the assistant director, and it was a pleasure to have her stay with the show.

Throughout this production, the entire company became quite close and it was refreshing to have such a family experience with a show. I am very grateful that I was given the opportunity to work on this show, and I can only hope that everyone that works on a show with the MTA can have a similarly wonderful experience.