The Importance of Being Earnest
During the 2025 Fall Semester, I completed my HUA Practicum as Stage Manager the WPI HUA Drama Theatre's fall production of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.
Duration
4 months
Role
Stage Manager
Team Size
40+ students involved in the production
Overview
WPI has a specific Humanities and Arts Requirement that encourages to engage in the Humanities in a larger way than normally required. This acted as my Humanities and Arts (HUA) Practicum, with the goal to encourage critical inquiry, research and invesitgation, communication and writing, intellectual independance, and reflective conversation in the students completing it.
For my practicum, I stage managed the WPI HUA Drama Theatre's fall production of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. As stage manager, I was responsible for coordinating communication between the director, cast, and crew; creating and maintaining the rehearsal schedule; documenting blocking and technical cues; and ensuring the smooth execution of performances.
Challenges & Success
The biggest challenge I faced was adapting to a new, more professional theatrical environment. All of my previous shows were smaller-scale or less professional productions through school clubs or my high school. This more professional environment came with many large and small adjustments that were hard for me to navigate at first, as I still had over 4 years of stage management experience before this.
I was able to adapt and learn quickly, and by the end of the production I felt that I had successfully navigated this new environment and was able to stage manage effectively and confidently. I also received positive feedback from the director and my project advisor about my competence and organizational skills, which was very rewarding to hear.
Responsibilities & Deliverables
Since this production was done for academic credit, there are deliverables specific not just to the performance but also to the academic requirements.
- Practicum Portfolio: The final portfolio can be found here.