Project Abstract

Abstract
This research project focused on examining the stage management practices within the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture. Stage management is a critical component of successful theatrical productions, ensuring that all elements of a performance come together seamlessly. The study aimed to explore the current stage management practices in the context of the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Surveys were conducted with staff members involved in stage management roles, as well as observations of live performances and interviews with key personnel. This comprehensive approach allowed for a holistic understanding of the existing stage management practices within the organization. The findings of the study revealed several key insights into the stage management practices in the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture. It was found that while there were dedicated and talented individuals involved in stage management, there were also areas that needed improvement. Issues such as communication breakdowns, lack of formalized processes, and limited resources were identified as challenges facing the organization's stage management practices. Recommendations were proposed based on the research findings to enhance stage management practices within the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture. Suggestions included the implementation of standardized procedures, increased investment in training and development for stage management staff, and the utilization of technology to streamline communication and coordination during productions. By addressing these areas, the organization can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its stage management practices, ultimately leading to higher quality performances and enhanced audience experiences. Overall, this research project shed light on the importance of stage management practices within the context of the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture. By identifying current challenges and offering practical recommendations for improvement, this study contributes to the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and professionalism of theatrical productions in the region.

Project Overview

1.0   GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Stage management has been a
long existing concept since the advent of theatre practice. It exists for the
good of the product, the production or performance before an audience. It
contributes in all its activities, decisions and procedures toward the artistic
success of a theatrical production in the greatest possible manner.

As a branch of theatre
practice, Nwamuo defines management as, “…the art and science of planning,
staffing, organizing and motivating, directly and controlling human and
material resources in the art of the theatre” (2), Fazio Posit that stage
management is:

… the practice of organizing
and co-ordinating a theatrical production. It encompasses a variety of
activities, including organizing the production and coordinating communications
between various personnel-between director and backstage crew, or actors and
production management (5).

Thus, attacking the term
“management”, an essential activity which involves the co-ordination of
individual effort towards achieving group goals on the stage, stage management
seeks to establish “an environment” in which the actors can achieve group
goals.

Approaching this study from
Umukoro analysis of Jerzy Grotowski’s notion of the poor theatre where he
concludes that all we need to create theatre is the actor and the audience”
(202) theatre, as a unique form of entertainment happens once there is an
actor-audience relationship, a possible interaction between the actors and the
audience. This is the whole essence of managing the stage-ensuring that the
performance contract between the actors and the audience is not violated or
broken.

Contextually, “stage” here
doesn’t denote a raised platform-above the level of the auditorium floor as
people conventionally conceive, but as a place where a performance takes place;
a place suitable for locating the drama considering the relevance of a well
managed stage to the success of production. It can be suggested that there is
no compromise or short cut to a successful production other than ensuring a
proper management of the stage.

There is, especially, in the
contemporary theatre practice, an extraordinary interest in management and its
consequent effect on the theatre practice. Based on this, Thomas posit that
stage management is:

…responsible for every aspect
of stage productions, including ensuring that everything, including props
scenery, and furniture; and everyone, including actors and technical staff, is
in the right place, at the right time(35).

As a matter of fact, stage
management goes beyond mere “ordering” of the stage or actor’s world, but
involves detailed duties and responsibilities in order to make a production
become a success.

Stage management in our
modern day is highly technical and advanced in nature. It stands in contrast to
that of the Greek and the Elizabethan system or techniques of management with
all levels of concern. Stage management must satisfy, encourage, motivate and
also stand like a bride in the communication process between the actor’s world
and the audiences’ world.

However, for this research,
stages management shall be examined from its organizational perspective and
also from the aspect of life performances through examining stage management
practice in the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture.

1.1   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The major challenge of a
theatre organization in the course of putting up live performances is stage
management. This is because the success of a performance depends on an
effective management of the affairs of members of a cast in a production both
on stage and back stage towards having a successful performance.

However, as an art of
management, different ideologies are applied especially, in the 21st Century
theatrical performances. This is a two-edged sword. Its successful application,
enhances the stage performance while an unprofessional approach to the
practice, can cause the “death” of the performance.

The purpose of this research
is to correct the inabilities of the stage managers at (AKS) Council for Arts
and Culture for a proper and effective management during performances.

1.2 Research objectives

1.To know the history of stage play in Akwaibom state

2. To study the growth pattern of arts and culture in akwaibom state

3. To understand how stage management has promoted arts and artites
performance in akwaibom state.

1.3 Research questions

1. How does communication help in stage management

2. How does the training of stage managers prome arts in akwa ibom state

1.4 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

Since stage management
involves an effective and a proper co-ordination of the affairs of members of
cast in a production both on stage and at back stage with a view of ensuring a
successful performance, it uses different managerial skills to this effect. The
nature of this work aims to analyze the approaches of stage management used in
Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture which emphasis will be centered on
the relationship between the stage manager and the cast and crew of each production.
This work therefore proposes that art organizations should adopt the approach
of management in this project.

1.5   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This research shall focus on
stage management as it applies to both the public and private theatre
organizations generally, but, with specific emphasis on the Akwa Ibom State
council for Arts and culture. The case study is identified due to its long
standing theatre establishment with a management structure which limits the
purpose of this research.