Point Park Internships: Evan Smedley '26 is a Stage-Management Intern with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Student Profile

Meet Evan Smedley '26

Job Title & Employer

Stage-Management Intern, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Major/Program

Theatre Production: Stage-Management

Hometown

Frederick, Md.

High School

Barbara Ingram School for the Arts

Hobbies & Interests

Horror movies, breakfast and ballet

Why did you choose Point Park University, and what do you like about the B.F.A. Theatre Production: Stage-Management program?

I chose Point Park because I wanted to be at a small school in a big city. In the theatre and dance industry, most work is in major cities, so Pittsburgh felt like a good starting point. It’s big, but it’s much quieter and more affordable than other cities.

When I visited Point Park, I got a private tour of the Pittsburgh Playhouse, and I loved that everyone knew each other and stopped to talk, even if they were busy at work. The friendliness felt very welcoming.

All of the student stage managers at Point Park are treated as professionals. We are the only department at the Playhouse staffed entirely by students. The level of responsibility we have gives us a very strong sense of community among our small major and we are always helping each other out.

This program is unique because we work with so many different disciplines. At Point Park alone, I have stage-managed a musical, an Equity one-person play, an immersive aerial dance show, ballets, graduation ceremonies, orchestras and so much more. There aren’t many other universities that offer stage managers such a wide range of opportunities.

What are you involved in on campus?

Current college activities:

• Events Apprentice, Pittsburgh Playhouse
• Dance Production Management Apprentice, School of Dance
• Tour Guide, Office of Admissions
• Box Office Assistant, Pittsburgh Playhouse
• Teacher's Assistant, Stage Movement for Stage Managers

Previous college activities:

• Summer Resident Assistant, Office of Pre-College Programs 
• Vice President, Tech Theatre Club 
• Secretary, Bridges Theatre Company
• Costume Studio Apprentice, Pittsburgh Playhouse 

Highlight the real-world experiences you’ve had in your major.

• Stage Manager, National High School Dance Festival, Benedum Center
• Venue/Rehearsal Manager and an Operations and Logistics Intern, Vail Dance Festival
• Production Fellow, Ojai Music Festival
• Production Apprentice, Spoleto Festival USA at the Gaillard Center
• Summer Season Stage Manager/Assistant Stage Manager, Bristol Valley Theater
• Assistant Stage Manager, The Marthaodyssey, Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Tell us about your recent experience at USITT.

I was recently sponsored to attend the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) national conference in Long Beach, Calif. The annual conference includes networking events, hands-on labs, workshops, panels, and lots of fun activities, such as visiting an aquarium or touring local theaters. Professionals from the technical theatre industry from around the country attend to stay up to date on emerging trends, find jobs and reconnect with colleagues.

Point Park’s theatre production program sponsored my conference fee based on my results in the mock interview that we complete each year. I also earned a $1,000 travel grant from the Ohio Valley Section of USITT. I had to submit a portfolio of my work, along with other materials and recommendations, to apply for this grant. Thanks to these two sponsorships, I was able to cover my attendance, flight, lodging and food.

While at the conference, I interviewed with Princess Cruises, RWS Global and Norwegian Cruise Line. I also got to speak with representatives from a wide range of companies, including NETworks & Crossroads Live (Broadway touring companies), The Juilliard School and Cirque du Soleil. I attended sessions and labs to learn about topics such as having children while working as a theatre manager, cue-calling techniques, tour negotiations, tech riders and more.

Which faculty members and courses have had an impact on you?

My mentor, Assistant Professor Jennifer Scheier (or as we call her, Dr. J), has had a huge impact on me and so many other students. I’ve had a few courses with her, including AEA & Theatre Unions and Stage Management III. In these classes, we learned about the history and intricacies of entertainment unions, ethical leadership, culture-building, anti-racist practices, non-traditional stage management and so much more.

All stage-management majors have weekly meetings with Dr. J, both individually and as a large group, where we discuss our shows, jobs and other aspects of life. I’m currently co-teaching the Stage Movement for Stage Managers course with Dr. J and Tonya Lynn as part of my independent study on the Pedagogy of Dance Stage Management. I help plan lessons and lead activities to prepare the other stage-management students for the world of dance.

What are your responsibilities as a Stage-Management Intern with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT)?

I assist with rehearsals, sort props, tape out the studios and generate show paperwork. I’ll also be helping with the setup and coordination for events like the Apprentice Showcase, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" at Phipps Conservatory and other education events. Through my internship, I will be the assistant stage manager for Spring Mix at the August Wilson Center and "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" at the Benedum Center, and I’m the stage manager for the PBT School’s spring performances.

What are your career goals?

I hope to join a ballet or modern dance company as the stage manager. I’m also very interested in working for companies and shows like Cirque du Soleil, The Rockettes and other movement/dance-based productions.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Everyone is on their own journey. Make the decisions that feel right to you and only you.

More About: theatre, Pittsburgh Playhouse, theatre production, stage-management, Conservatory of Performing Arts, internships