Sophomore Isela Gonzalez got the news that she didn’t expect to hear. She knew her life would be changing for the rest of her high school experience. Gonzalez was just informed that she will be training for the stage manager position. 

As a freshman, Gonzalez started at the bottom of the Champion Theatre Department, but now in her sophomore year she has already managed her own show. She has been named this year’s assistant stage manager and is set to be next year’s official stage manager. 

Gonzalez takes after her sister, senior Samara Gonzalez who is currently stage manager. 

“I didn’t realize I’d be training for it so soon, I’m only a sophomore and thought I’d have more time to learn rather than actively do the position,” said Gonzalez.

 The opportunity to train for the position earlier than she would’ve thought means that Gonzalez needs to schedule her activities carefully.

“The biggest thing I have learned is instead of actively trying to force a time when to do school work or complete other tasks is to instead take advantage of when the time is presented to me.” Gonzalez said. “Trying to make time never works out because schedules always change and sometimes things may run longer than expected, so using the time that I do have, I take advantage of it, knowing that something may come up later.”

After having many tasks thrown upon her, Gonzalez realized that she can’t do it all alone.

“I have learned that when being in a management position you have to trust those that have been put in their positions,” Gonzalez said. “They have worked for their spot just as much as I have, and by having the trust in my fellow techs it allows for all show responsibilities to be completed without it being done by me.” 

This year Gonzalez managed the show “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Managing the show on her own presented many challenges that helped her grow and build confidence among the cast and crew.

“The most difficult problem I had to solve during a show would definitely be when calling cues and realizing that there is a lighting issue and having to adapt and feel when it would be best to jump a light cue in order to put lights back in their proper order,” Gonzalez said.

Many people were impressed with her work and the amount of  time she spent perfecting this show. Technical Director Ms. Aundria Nuncio expresses how she felt seeing the show come together. 

“This was Isela’s first-time managing a show on her own. She did an amazing job, she is an extremely hard worker and really showed us the type of leader she is during this show.” Nuncio said.

Although, this position does require many skills that Isela must have to get her job done.

“Multitasking , open-mindedness, problem solving skills, and to act on logic not emotion. Each of these plays a key factor on how to manage well every part of the job requires individual care and each of these traits will allow for that understanding ultimately leading to success.” Isela says.

There were many challenges and obstacles to overcome, but she has learned from this experience and is grateful to have had this opportunity so early on. 

“I learned so much from the experience and I’m very thankful to have been given the opportunity and especially to have had the trust put in me to help create the magic that was put on the stage for the ‘Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’. I feel much gratitude for the experience.” said Gonzalez.