Rachel Heine is working all summer with Columbus Children’s Theatre as Stage Manager for two of its Advanced Performance Academy productions, including the upcoming performances of Spring Awakening. This is Rachel’s third summer spent stage managing at CCT. I sat down with her to discuss returning to Columbus, how she got into stage management and what it is like to work for a children’s theater.
Rachel F: How did you get started in stage managing?
Rachel H: I got started as a way to meet new people in high school after transferring to Columbus from Austin.
Rachel F: What was your favorite production you have managed?
Rachel H: My favorite production I have managed is probably Nunsense when I was at Otterbein University.
Rachel F: How did end up working summers for CCT?
Rachel H: I got involved with summers at CCT when I was in between working regionally in Houston before relocating to New York City. I had decided to reach out when I found out I would be spending the summer home. I was excited to connect with [Associate Artistic Director] Ryan Scarlata and be brought into the CCT family.
Rachel F: What makes working for a children’s theater different than any other theater?
Rachel H: When working for a children’s theater it is always exciting to be a part of the young community’s introduction to theater. Whether is an audience member’s first time seeing a show or a company member’s first jump into the artistic process, it’s so rewarding to bring what I am passionate about to the next generation of artists and theater goers.
Rachel F: What is next for you after the summer with CCT?
Rachel H: After this summer I plan to return to New York City and work as an Event Medical Manager for the New York City Marathon.
Rachel F: What is a dream production you would want to work on?
Rachel H: My dream production to work on would probably be Jack Thorne’s adaptation of Let The Right One In.
Rachel will be stage managing CCT’s upcoming production of Spring Awakening, which runs August 2-13. It is being put on by the Young Adult Ensemble of CCT’s Advanced Performance Academy. Tickets are available online via ColumbusChildrensTheatre.org or by calling (614) 224.6672. Performances are held at the Park Street Theatre, 512 Park St., Columbus OH 43215.
Columbus Makes Art Presents is a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council – supporting art and advancing culture in Columbus. The column is a project of the Art Makes Columbus campaign, telling the inspiring stories of the people and organizations who create Columbus art. Each column will be written by a different local arts organization to give you an insiders look at how #artmakescbus.
