Senior Bryan Wright was promoted to the stage manager of TJ Theatre.
Senior Bryan Wright has been working in theatre from an early age, but never imagined he’d one day become the stage manager of Thomas Jefferson’s theatre department.
Wright became involved in theatre in elementary school, where he learned about sound setups and helped with special events. He began to develop his skills in middle school where there was an auditorium and equipment to start working with, specializing in lighting. TJ, however, was the place where he honed his skills and earned his current position of Stage Manager. “Coming to TJ was a really big step up because in middle school you have the basic stuff, and when I came in I learned that there are bigger stages with better equipment. That’s when I really learned the skills I know and developed all of the leadership and management roles I have at TJ,” commented Wright.
Wright didn’t receive his position right away; he worked his way up throughout his years at TJ. During his freshman year he was a lead stagehand, managing the right side of the stage while another member managed the left. As Wright moved into his sophomore and junior years he took a more serious role and developed leadership over the technical crew: “Sophomore year I became the assistant stage manager and lead stage tech, and then junior year I became the full technical manager.” Wright began to oversee all of the technical operations and make decisions for the behind-the-scenes process of the plays and musicals. Today, Wright still has all of his duties as tech manager, but is now completely in charge of overseeing all tasks that TJ Theatre’s tech crew performs.
Wright hopes that TJ Theatre can pull off an amazing production for his senior year. Since there will only be one play this year, he hopes it to make it the best it can be. “I really hope that we can push it really strong and have a great audience every single night. Selling out one of the nights would be my dream goal,” said Wright. He aims to continue to build relationships with other cast and crew members, as well as leadership skills. He says he hopes that his role will allow him to expand his leadership and take on a larger part.
Being part of theatre is Wright’s greatest passion, and says that he enjoys every minute of participating. He loves learning how to work with other cast and crew members, and putting on a fantastic show at the end of all the hard work. “It really makes a big impact in the end when everybody puts in true dedication and makes it one of their passions.” One of Wright’s favorite things about theatre is the closeness of the group, and to him it’s like having a second family. “It’s a lot of fun to be around, especially when you want to find that niche in high school where you can be comfortable.”
Through his first three years in theatre Wright was overseen by drama teacher and past director Michael Palmieri. Palmieri said, “Bryan Wright came to us freshman year already really capable.” Throughout Wright’s four years at TJ, Palmieri has seen him grow not only in his theatrical role, but in his character as well. “I’d say the area where he’s grown in is being really comfortable in his leadership, and also learning how to lead. One thing that’s really hard to do is to lead your peers, particularly peers that might be older than you are.” After seeing Wright’s growth, Palmieri wouldn’t want anyone else running the theatre. “Really, a lot of the stuff that goes on in that theatre is under his supervision, and Bryan has taken really good care of it,” explained Palmieri.
Wright aims to continue working with theatre in the future and may even pursue it as a career. “Someday I’d like to be the head of operations for a performing arts center or some kind of technical director for a venue. I want to continue to help put on productions and build sets.” Wright foresees either touring with shows he participates in or managing one venue and helping produce different shows.
Clearly Wright has shown a lot of promise in his past experiences in theatre, and has potential to be a valuable addition to the theatre industry. TJ Theatre is proud to have him as stage manager, and anticipates his success in the future.
