I am one of the lucky ones. In 1979 I had an interview with one of the casting newspapers. In it, I said, “When coming to New York I had two goals; to make a living in the theater and to see the whole wide world.” I have made a living in the theater and have seen almost the whole wide world. It has been a wild ride as I have taken a few sideways paths, but I have always been able to come back to the theater.
I came to NYC at eighteen to be a dancer/actress. My first AEA contract in 1967 was a summer stock chorus contract (in those days it was a pink contract). I worked other stock companies- even got to dance in two shows with John Travolta and a few plays in New York City. But I realized I wasn’t going to be able to make a living as an actor as I did not sing very well AND serious acting is very hard.
Half a Sixpence – my first AEA contract 1967
“him” – Circle Repertory Theatre 1975 // Photo by Ken Howard
In 1973, I was given a chance to stage manage, and “VOILA”, I found my place in the business. I became part of the Stage Manager community when I was offered the Assistant Stage Manager position for “When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder” at Circle Repertory Theater. Then Marshall Mason asked if I wanted to learn the job by being the PSM on “The Prodigal” that he was directing with an amazing cast: Salem Ludwig, Cathryn Damon, Judd Hirsh, Zane Lasky & Ted LaPlat. My stage management career had started and blossomed in the Off-Broadway arena.
Stage Managing – Theater // Photo by Martha Swope
The calling booth at the Mitzi Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center
After years of stage managing theater, I moved into the event and corporate arenas, working events such as The Clinton Global Initiative, IBM Golden Global Circle Awards, US Open opening and closing ceremonies, and the 9/11 Memorial Ceremonies. In 2006, I was asked to join fellow Stage Manager Allan Hall on the Tony Awards. He retired two years later. I am still, along with my partner Howard Kolins, the Production Supervisor for the Tony Awards. But I always come back to the theater. In 2021, I stage managed “Blue Valiant” a play by Karen Malpede starring George Bartenieff and Kathleen Chalfant.
Stage Managing – Tonys
Stage managing at the Clinton Global Initiative
I did take a couple of detours. One of the side paths that I took was into the political arena; first in 1992, on staff for Geraldine Ferraro’s Senate Campaign.
Politics
I went on to many state and city campaigns: Geraldine Ferraro’s 1998 Senate Campaign and directing the 2000 NY State Democratic Convention (where Hillary Clinton’s name was put into nomination for the Senate).
One of my other side paths was becoming an archaeologist. I started going on digs in 1979 and in 1986 I became a full-time college student. I got my BA degree in archaeology in 1990 from Hunter College and went right back to stage managing.
Archaeology
In 1994 I was elected to the Actors Equity Association Council and spent 25+ years as an elected official for the union that represents Actors and Stage Managers. Being part of the union and helping to make policy for bettering the lives of the members was a very fulfilling part of my career. I am also a founding member of The Stage Managers’ Association, and the Stage Managers’ Association Foundation and serve on the Steering Committee for The Broadway Green Alliance. And in 2025 I have been awarded the Stage Managers’ Association Del Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award.
50 years as a member of Actors Equity Association
Union Activism: AEA Pride Parade
I am not sure why I had such confidence in myself, but I was never afraid that I would never work again. I loved stage managing and I loved the theater, and I always found the next job or the next project.
When I am asked to speak to theater classes, I tell them to always follow their passion, but it doesn’t have to be just one thing. Life doesn’t have to go in a straight line. You don’t have to be afraid of venturing out on a different path – you can come back (or not).
