25th April 2024

Search

The Stage Manager Tag: Katie Houff

Katie Houff

We are asking stage managers around the world, in a stage manager tag, some key questions about their job. Here is Katie Houff based in NYC, USA.

1. Are you a minimalist or a hoarder Stage Manager?

I don’t think I’m a minimalist so I guess that makes me a hoarder.

2. What do you always have with you on stage?

Water bottle, pen case, my personal headset, Apple watch, legal pad, binder of cue sheets.

3. What’s in your kit?

Multi-tool, C-wrench, ultimate focus tool, post-its, work gloves, tape measure, protractor, few pieces of tie line, binder clips, mini stapler, 3-hole punch, scissors, small notepads, level, circuit tester, mini first aid kit, tissues, stopwatch, headlamp and flashlight, hex key set, power strip.

4. Mac or PC?

Mac.

5. What’s in your pencil case?

Pencils, click eraser, highlighter, sharpies, pens.

6. Favourite colour highlighter

Pink.

7. Favourite pencil

Any mechanical pencil, but fave pen is the Papermate Profile.

8. What may be surprising that you don’t use?

A script or score. I mostly work in dance so I create my own cue sheets based off movement and/or music cues.

9. Coffee or Tea?

Coffee.

10. Favourite Genre to work in

Dance.

BONUS QUESTION
11. Advice for new Stage Managers

Take advantage of internship opportunities where you’ll be immersed in the kind of theatrical environment you want to be in. I interned at the American Dance Festival for 2 summers after college graduation and got to meet and work with the touring companies that came through and I learned A LOT. As an SM, it’s enormously valuable to have dipped your toe into as many different backstage areas as possible and the connections that came out of the experience were incredible as well.

Katie’s Facebook

Katie’s LinkedIn

Katie’s Instagram

Other SM Tags:

The Stage Manager Tag: Mark Shayle

The Stage Manager Tag: Keyur Shah

Want to be part of the SM Tag? Fill the form HERE.

Join TheatreArtLife to access unlimited articles, our global career center, discussion forums, and professional development resource guide. Your investment will help us continue to ignite connections across the globe in live entertainment and build this community for industry professionals. Learn more about our subscription plans.

The Market

Love to write or have something to say? Become a contributor with TheatreArtLife. Join our community of industry leaders working in artistic, creative, and technical roles across the globe. Visit our CONTRIBUTE page to learn more or submit an article.

STANDBY

logo-2.jpg

Thank you so much for reading, but you have now reached your free article limit for this month.

Our contributors are currently writing more articles for you to enjoy.

To keep reading, all you have to do is become a subscriber and then you can read unlimited articles anytime.

Your investment will help us continue to ignite connections across the globe in live entertainment and build this community for industry professionals.

Are you ready? Select JOIN to get started!