Behind the Scenes of NSU’s Summer Shows Series: Stage Managers & Best Friends

Behind the Scenes of NSUs Summer Shows Series:
Stage Managers & Best Friends

-Special coverage by NSU Intern Laura Butler

TAHLEQUAHBest friends often have many things in common, but Northeastern State University seniors Callie Harris of Tahlequah and Natalie Morgan of Muldrow have taken their bond to a new level. The theatre majors are stage managers for the universitys summer shows series, Stars in the Summer. Harris is the stage manager for River City Players performances and Morgan is the stage manager for Downtown Country shows.

We don't really get to work together much at all, said Harris. But were roommates, so we see each other often. We take care and help each other as much as possible.

Harris noted that the best part of her job as stage manager is the hands-on involvementalways knowing whats going on with the show.

I basically take lots of notes throughout the day to make sure everything is going smooth, she explained. Im also kind of a babysitter, making sure the actors and everyone else has everything they need.

Harris said that her first connection to music was when her dad used to sing to her when she was little. Morgan also discovered her music connection during her childhood.

Every Sunday my Mom and I would drive around with the windows down and sing to country music at the top of our lungs, she recalled.

Morgan sees Downtown Country as a great starting place for the work she plans to do in the future. She is a member of NSU Theatre Company and Alpha Psi Omega. Last year, Morgan competed in the Irene Ryan Scholarship competition.

I am very passionate about the things I love, and I love theatre more than anything, she said.

Harris said that Morgans sense of humor and carefree attitude are qualities she admires most in her roommate. But, at the same time, shes very motivated and gets the job done right.

This is Harris fourth year working with River City Players, and her second tour of duty as a stage manager. She previously served as a video tech and a performer.

Harris has been involved with theatre activities since high school. After NSU, she intends to pursue a graduate degree and to one day become a director or producer. The one thing she hopes to gain from her River City Players position is experience.

If anyone is interested in RCP, they need to come check it out, said Harris. Its very entertaining family fun.

The 2009 Stars in the Summer Series, sponsored by the Tahlequah Area Tourism Council, runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Aug. 8. Tickets for the shows are $12 for adults, $10 for NSU alumni and employees, $8 for seniors and groups of 20 or more, and $6 for students and children. In June, the Early Bird Discount of $1 off will be offered for all tickets booked for June performances.

To reserve seats, call 918-458-2075. For more information, visit www.nsuok.edu/si/.

Downtown Country Shows at the NSU Playhouse

Rhinestone Country 2

Thursdays at 7:30 pm:
June 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; August 6

Saturdays at 7:30 pm:
June 20, 27; July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8

Lights, camera, action! Experience all the glitz and glam of Tinseltown, country-style, in Downtown Countrys star-studded sequel to last summers hit show. With a brand new playlist celebrating the soundtracks you know by heart and recent box-office smashes, its all about the magic of the movies! Grab a front row seat and prepare to be dazzled, as the songs of the Silver Screen come to life before your eyes in Rhinestone Country II!

Turn Your Radio On

Fridays at 7:30 pm:
June 19, 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; August 7

Saturdays at 2 pm:
June 20, 27; July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8

Turn that FM dial to the best of country radio station KNSU is on the air! With a non-stop string of hits for your listening pleasure, this radio-themed show will have you tuned in all summer long. Call in and request your tickets now, because every lucky listener is guaranteed a great show with the best DJs around! Every weekend Downtown Country will be playing your favorites from yesterday and today just Turn Your Radio On!

River City Players at the NSU Shawnee Street Theatre

Centennial Soundtrack

Thursdays at 7:30 pm:
June 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; August 6

Saturdays at 7:30 pm:
June 20, 27; July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8

Get ready for the soundtrack of the century! Join NSU as we celebrate 100 years through the magic of music. Relive memorable musical moments from the classic By the Light of the Silvery Moon to NSUs very own Carrie Underwoods Home Sweet Home. Watch 100 years come to life in Centennial Soundtrack!

River City Sockhop

Fridays at 7:30 pm:
June 19, 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; August 7

Saturdays at 2 pm:
June 20, 27; July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8

Kick off your shoes and stroll back in time for River City Sockhop! Dance through the 50s and 60s with our favorite blasts from the past. Sway through the golden era of rock n roll with Connie Francis classic Where the Boys Are to the Beach Boys timeless anthem, Surfer Girl.

6/26/2009

Published: 2009-06-26 00:00:00