Sam Kronhaus '23 is the Production Stage Manager for The North American Tour of "The Book of Mormon" Alumni Profile
Meet Sam Kronhaus '23
- Job Title & Employer
- Production Stage Manager, The North American Tour, "The Book of Mormon"
- Major/Program
- Theatre Production: Stage-Management
- College Activities
- Apprentice, Pittsburgh Playhouse
- Hometown
- Lake Worth, Fla.
- High School
- Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
- Hobbies & Interests
- Traveling, exploring new cities, cooking, the beach
"Point Park's theatre production: stage-management program prepared me for a career in professional theatre through intensive, hands-on training that mimicked the professional world."
What drew you to Point Park University and the Conservatory of Performing Arts?
A friend from high school was a dance major at Point Park and it piqued my interest. I was drawn to Point Park for its hands-on, professional training and close ties to Pittsburgh's arts scene and Cultural District. The university's Pittsburgh Playhouse seemed like the most beneficial place for me to gain an immersive and practical education that would prepare me to succeed in the performing arts. The Conservatory provided the ideal environment to develop as an artist and as a collaborator across multiple areas of the arts.
How did the theatre production: stage-management program prepare you for a career in professional theatre?
Point Park's theatre production: stage-management program prepared me for a career in professional theatre through intensive, hands-on training that mimicked the professional world. From the outset of the program, I was able to work and learn as a stage manager, rather than a student observing from the sidelines. I gained practical experience running rehearsals, calling shows, managing crews and having a seat at the table with professional creative teams. The program emphasized professionalism, adaptability and collaboration, giving me the confidence and skills needed to transition successfully into the professional theatre environment.
What aspects of your training at Point Park do you rely on most while managing The North American Tour of "The Book of Mormon?"
The training at Point Park instilled confidence, resilience and a strong work ethic — qualities that have been essential in managing "The Book of Mormon." Point Park prepared me not only with the tools of stage-management, but with the mindset required to succeed in a fast-paced, collaborative industry. The theatre production program, specifically, throws you into the deep end right away. You have the opportunity to be an assistant stage-manager in your first year and eventually move up to a lead stage-manager position. You will make mistakes and that's ok. I can look back on my college experience with confidence, knowing that it gave me the foundation to learn and grow into the person I am today.
What advice would you give to current students or aspiring stage managers at Point Park?
Don't say no — seize every opportunity and say yes to whatever comes your way. Take every chance to learn, even outside of your assigned show responsibilities, and approach each production like a professional job. Some of my most valuable experiences came from working with organizations outside of Point Park and the Pittsburgh Playhouse, taking full advantage of the city's thriving arts scene to expand my skill set, build lasting professional relationships and gain a broader understanding of the industry beyond the classroom.
Stay organized, communicate clearly and don't be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes. That is the only way to grow. The performing arts thrive on collaboration, so the connections you build with peers and faculty will remain an invaluable source of support well beyond your time at Point Park.
Where have you worked since graduating from Point Park?
- The North American tour of "Hairspray"
- The North American tour of "Come From Away"
- The North American tour of "The Book of Mormon"
- The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
- Slow Burn Theatre Company
What are your key responsibilities in your current role?
As the production stage manager, I manage a company of 55 and serve as the central hub for communication, coordinating between the producers, creative team, cast, crew and local venue staff to ensure every performance runs smoothly. I manage rehearsals, maintain the prompt with all blocking, cues and production documentation, as well as call technical cues during performances, overseeing lighting, sound, set changes and backstage operations. I also communicate with each venue on logistics, load-ins and technical requirements. In short, I am responsible for ensuring that the show's artistic integrity and technical execution are consistently maintained from city to city, night after night, throughout the tour.
What do you enjoy most about your job and why?
What I enjoy most is the opportunity to bring a well-known and at times complex, high-energy production to life every night while working closely with an incredibly talented cast and crew. I love the challenge of problem-solving on the fly in each new venue we play, keeping everything running smoothly, and seeing the show consistently receive rave reviews. It is rewarding to know that my work, behind the scenes, allows audiences across North America to experience the show exactly as it was intended, and in the process, I get to grow as a leader, collaborator and artist every day.