The Leadership Lab

​As we send  students to Playhouse Square this week to begin rehearsals for the Dazzle Awards, it seems a fitting time to post this guest blog, written by veteran Drama parent Tom Weyenberg. Tom has been with us since 2006 and watched his sons Andy, Matt, and Jamey play a variety of roles both on and off stage. On May 6, Tom and his wife Laura were inducted into the Drama Club Community Hall of Fame.

This spring I had the privilege of being the only adult backstage during the Solon High School production of Shrek the Musical.  Not to say that adults - parents and advisors - didn't help, indeed they were key pieces of the production.  What I mean is that once "set for top of Act I" was called, backstage is an all-student production.   Some background:  because we brought in flying effects, the contract called for an supervisor, which was me.  We also had two young-adult SHS graduates on the flying rig.   From our flying position behind stage right first legs, I was able to observe the all-student crew and cast put on an amazing musical.   

 Although I was backstage, what I had was a front row seat to a top-notch leadership training program.  Here is what I saw in the "leadership lab"

• Vision:  The crew leaders started each performance with a team meeting, where the stage managers and assistant stage managers would go over important points and prepare the crew to expect the unexpected, stay cool and be safe.  Technical Director Joe Ferencie would then say a few inspirational words in the huddle, then the crew joined the cast in Green Room.
• Clear roles and shared goals:  there is a hierarchy to the technical crew, with the stage managers working with the directors, assistant stage managers working with the on-stage crew, deck crew getting moving set pieces, fly rail, makeup, props, costumes, lighting and effects each doing their specialized role.   Dressed in all black, these ninjas bring the magic of the stage to life, without being seen by the audience.  
• Apprenticeship:   The crew ages span 14 to 18 years old.  For about half of the crew, this was their first SHS musical, which meant that the experienced crew members were constantly training and guiding the newer members.
• Initiative:  despite clear roles, there is a real expectation that if something needs done then do it.  Gaff tape and drywall screws really can fix about anything, and watching the ninjas jump in and take charge was outstanding.
• Communication:  So many things need to happen in a carefully orchestrated sequence, in time with dialogue or music, yet the crew must be silent backstage.  Headsets, whispers and hand signals.  
• Coolness under pressure:  When something goes wrong, and it does in every show, to see the stage managers and assistant stage managers stay cool and keep everyone else cool was amazing.  
• Measurement and Feedback:  Especially at rehearsals, the stage managers and assistant stage managers gave guidance and feedback to the crew and actors.  In your work, when was the last time you received direct, honest, candid feedback given with respect and authenticity?  I got to witness that nearly every day for 2 weeks, from teenagers.  Wow.
• Esprit de Corps:  this is a management term that has somehow gone out of style in the modern workplace.  A cynic might say that is because it is as prevalent as unicorns.  Rituals and traditions are strong in theater, and the crew meeting after each show, with bottles of root beer and chants is part of the Solon tradition.  Celebrating success is a key part of leadership, and a great lesson.

​Sports and academic teams talk a lot about building leadership but they have got nothing on the Drama Club.  The leadership skills that these students are learning will be valuable through college and into the workplace.   Crew is by design behind the scenes and I don't think it's widely understood what a great experience the crew is getting.  My sincere thanks to Kris and Joe for giving students the opportunity to lead and learn.

Jacob Burko & Jamey Weyenberg, Production Stage Managers for Shrek