Claire Fogel
Class of 2005
Stage Management
What advice would you pass down to current theatre students?
Learn the basics of every department. You may find something new you love, and it’s always good to be well rounded (especially on the tech side). Everyone should know how to focus a light, fix a small tear in a costume, etc.
What is your favorite memory from the Chantilly HS Theatre Department?
I didn’t technically graduate from CHS, but I was given an honorary senior award when I left and was welcomed back to the awards when my friends were graduating. CHS drama showed me my passion!! I wouldn’t be where I am now without Ms. Spicer and Mr Monk telling me to stage manage shows. Also my nickname was fun, "Chips"!!
What are your daily struggles and success stories as a Stage Manager?
So far, I have worked on traditional theatre and events. My daily schedule can really change from show to show, but I’m almost always in rehearsal. One of the things I hadn’t really thought about until I was close to graduating college was the fact that you’re always on the job hunt when you’re freelancing in theatre. Jobs last 3-4 months, and then you’re onto the next. It keeps you on your toes and forces you to keep up with updating resumes/portfolios. Each show comes with its own successes and struggles, it’s part of the fun of live theatre! One thing that kinda sucks is that there will always be people who don’t do their job well or who take their frustrations out on you. Theatre is a people business and so much of what I’ve been learning outside of college is about managing different personality types.
What was your favorite show that you worked on with the Chantilly Theatre Department?
My favorite show was, 'Evita.' It was my first show as an ASM and I loved the experience. It was an absolutely beautiful show and I remember feeling so honored that I got to be a part of it. I still talk about it and say it was the most beautiful show I worked on in high school!
Class of 2005
Stage Management
What advice would you pass down to current theatre students?
Learn the basics of every department. You may find something new you love, and it’s always good to be well rounded (especially on the tech side). Everyone should know how to focus a light, fix a small tear in a costume, etc.
What is your favorite memory from the Chantilly HS Theatre Department?
I didn’t technically graduate from CHS, but I was given an honorary senior award when I left and was welcomed back to the awards when my friends were graduating. CHS drama showed me my passion!! I wouldn’t be where I am now without Ms. Spicer and Mr Monk telling me to stage manage shows. Also my nickname was fun, "Chips"!!
What are your daily struggles and success stories as a Stage Manager?
So far, I have worked on traditional theatre and events. My daily schedule can really change from show to show, but I’m almost always in rehearsal. One of the things I hadn’t really thought about until I was close to graduating college was the fact that you’re always on the job hunt when you’re freelancing in theatre. Jobs last 3-4 months, and then you’re onto the next. It keeps you on your toes and forces you to keep up with updating resumes/portfolios. Each show comes with its own successes and struggles, it’s part of the fun of live theatre! One thing that kinda sucks is that there will always be people who don’t do their job well or who take their frustrations out on you. Theatre is a people business and so much of what I’ve been learning outside of college is about managing different personality types.
What was your favorite show that you worked on with the Chantilly Theatre Department?
My favorite show was, 'Evita.' It was my first show as an ASM and I loved the experience. It was an absolutely beautiful show and I remember feeling so honored that I got to be a part of it. I still talk about it and say it was the most beautiful show I worked on in high school!
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