Two GSA graduates win at the 2024 National Stage Management Awards, and two others nominated in various categories.
In June, the Stage Management Association held the National Stage Management Awards, presented at the ABTT Theatre Show. After a pause due to the pandemic, these were back to full strength this year, with nominations sought from all categories of the industry to recognise outstanding achievements in the categories of regional theatre and live events, West End and commercial theatre and fringe and small scale theatre, as well as a lifetime achievement award.
This year saw the inaugural presentation of the Antonia Collins Award for Early Career Stage Managers, in memory of stage manager and international educator Antonia Collins, a lifelong advocate of emerging stage managers, who sadly died in 2023. Thirteen early career stage managers were nominated.
We were delighted that this award was won by 2023 GSA BA (Hons) Theatre Production graduate El Waldock, for her work at GSA as well as Guildford Shakespeare Company and the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. El was unable to attend the ceremony as she was working away on tour, but the award was accepted on her behalf by BA (Hons) Theatre Production Programme Leader, Jo Franklin. Jo was then able to pass the award on to El when her tour, The 39 Steps, visited the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in July.
Comments from supporting statements on the nomination included:
"Her wisdom belies her years, she is a wonder and the profession is very lucky to have her entering it".
"She is passionate about her work, … and exudes determination, dedication, and good humour."
"She’s an asset to any company she works with".
Also representing GSA at the ceremony was Fern Bamber, MA Stage and Production Management 2020 graduate, who was part of the winning team for the STAGE ELECTRICS Team Award for stage management in regional and subsidised theatre, as part of the Stage Management team for Lord of the Rings at the Watermill Theatre.
The award recognises teams of any size distinguishing themselves through excellent teamwork, and technical skills and performance above the usual high standard in a show or season.
Congratulations to both El and Fern!
Other GSA nominees this year were:
- Emma Currie, MA Stage and Production Management 2021 graduate: Antonia Collins Award for Early Career Stage Managers – ASM for The Big Life at Theatre Royal Stratford East.
- Alice Loizel, MA Stage and Production Management 2019 graduate: West End and commercial theatre – technical ASM on Player Kings.