Tisch’s Broke People Play Festival: Managing the Chaos

In fall 2024 I was the stage manager for the work Cave Play. The stage manager is the backbone of the production, balancing various responsibilities in a fast-paced, low-budget environment. As a result, the role requires strong organizational skills and resourcefulness, from buying props to managing reimbursements and tight budgets. Creating and maintaining a rehearsal schedule involves managing conflicts and ensuring alignment across the team.

The stage manager also serves as a liaison, facilitating communication between the cast, director, and tech team. Whether addressing staging questions or offering creative input, they ensure the production runs smoothly. Additionally, they adapt to last-minute changes and tight schedules, solving problems as they arise.

Stage managing Cave Play was an unforgettable experience that showcased the collaborative spirit of Tisch’s Broke People Play Festival. The play, about an ex-girlfriend, her best friend, her new boyfriend, and a creature that appears as gay icons, was wild and ambitious. From the start the cast and crew united with a shared purpose. We were determined to bring this quirky story to life, despite limited resources.

I worked closely with the director, assistant director, and tech team to find creative solutions to budget constraints. Whether it was crafting props or improvising staging ideas, everyone pitched in. We handled challenges like last-minute costume changes and refining the creature’s appearances. The camaraderie made the process smoother and deeply rewarding. It reminded me that the heart of this festival lies in its community and creativity.

Stage managing Cave Play was one of my most challenging yet rewarding experiences at NYU. It taught me to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly to problems, and trust in teamwork. I balanced the creative and logistical aspects, from managing props and budgets to bringing the director’s vision to life on stage.

Tisch’s Broke People Play Festival helped me—and everyone involved—develop skills for our future creative work. It was a chance for me to step into a leadership role and contribute to something bigger than myself. For others it was about innovation, collaboration, and perseverance.

The festival is more than a student theatre platform. It celebrates resilience, resourcefulness, and passion for art. Within Tisch and across the broader creative community, it shows what’s possible when talented people come together to tell meaningful stories.