When we watch theater, we always see the actors. We hear their lines and we watch their movements. We are there to see a story told. Oftentimes, the actors get a lot of recognition, but it’s not the actors that make the show. Sure, the actors are very important, but what ties it all together is the people behind the scenes.

Meet Sienna Longendyke, a senior who is one of the stage managers for 12 Angry Jurors. Her love for theater came from watching shows as a kid.

“I would go see shows, and my jaw would drop, but not for the reasons everyone else’s was,” Longendyke said.

Her interest was piqued by the lighting, the sets, and the props. She took this interest in her school life as well. Another reason why she’s so interested in tech is because of the comradery amongst the crew.

“For me, getting to work with different groups of people and people with different backgrounds because it helps you understand the world you’re surrounded by,” Longendyke said.

The job of stage manager isn’t an easy one, as is the same for many other aspects of tech. Longendyke is in charge of making sure the production is running smoothly and also writing down actor’s blocking (what the actors are supposed to do on stage). 

She’s in charge of making sure that what happens backstage, and what happens in the booth, are working at the same time and pace.

“We just facilitate a lot of communication between say, props and lights,” Longendyke said.

Longendyke’s love of tech runs deep, did she ever have any desire to be on the stage?

“Yeah, I think if it came up and if there was a possibility or if there was a show that I really love,” Longendyke said. “I think I would 100% do it on stage. It’s just not something that has felt right for right now.” 

Longendyke’s love and dedication to her craft is and should be inspiring. She brings the expression “It’s not work if you love what you do” to fruition. Her kindness to everyone and her determination to do her best makes her a good stage manager.