Thirteenth International Conference on The Arts in Society

Abstract

Modern Canadian theatre practice is ‘infinite’ as described by Wagner. It is rooted in longstanding history of multicultural and multiethnic theatrical art and craft; dedication, talent and enthusiasm of people involved. It is inseparable from the dynamic developments in the fields of arts innovation brought about by modern approaches to theatre production, and advancements in technology. This paper explores the effects of advancements in technology on stage management profession in the context of modern Canadian theatre. It starts with looking at the historical roots of stage management in terms of responsibilities and workstyle (e.g. communication style, work hours, etc.). Then, it briefly describes the milestones in the history of modern Canadian theatre practice in relation to stage management and technological innovations, and whether these have affected the responsibilities and style of work of stage managers in terms of introduction of any new responsibilities and work styles, development of the profession and shaping its future. At the end, the impact of technological innovations in modern Canadian theatre are summarized in relation to the professional roles of stage managers, their functions and style of work. The ideas of the importance of documenting and communicating the attributes of stage management as a profession in the contemporary theatrical arts for its better understanding, appreciation and perceived quality enhancement, as well as for filling an important gap in the modern history of the Canadian theatre, will also be shared with the audience.