Lynda Gentry

Tell us a little bit about your non-theater background.

I was born and raised in Lynchburg. I attended Lynchburg public schools, a proud graduate of EC Glass High School! I am retired from Central Virginia Training Center after working for 40+ years supporting people who have inllectual and/or developmental disabilities. 

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When did you get your start in theater?

Funny thing - I really never had a background in theatre. I didn’t do theatre in school; I didn’t study theatre. It wasn’t something I ever entertained! Total fluke that I became involved in theatre. I guess my interest started with my first stage managing job.

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My first exposure to theatre was the Black Theater Ensemble’s production of “Mahalia”, directed by Jennifer Lipford Petticolas. I was asked to be the stage manager for the production. Mind you, I had NO CLUE as to what I was doing!! I knew nothing, absolutely nothing, about theatre. Nothing about the stage, nothing about theatre lingo, nothing about stage managing! 

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What theaters have you worked with in the Lynchburg area?

I've been a part of most of the theaters around here. I've done six shows with Black Theater Ensemble, fourteen shows with JLP Productions, seven shows at the Academy Center of the Arts shows, two shows at Commerce Street Theater, one show at Wolfbane Productions, and one show at Bedford Little Town Players. That's just an estimate, I'm sure I've missed a show here and there. I seem to stay pretty involved.

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What is involved in being a stage manager for a show?

My role as a stage manager usually depends on the production and what the director needs. I generally assist the director in whatever they need such as ensuring actors are present and on time for rehearsals, reading lines during rehearsals, securing props/costumes/set pieces. For performances, the stage manager is expected to call the show, assist the backstage crew if possible, and assist the actors with costumes and getting ready. During performances, if not calling the show, I’m praying: paying that all goes smoothly including the actors, props, costumes, set, sound, lighting - EVERYTHING! Trust me I have had stressful moments.

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You've done a few roles on stage over your career. Do you prefer acting or stage managing?

I guess my preference would be stage managing, since I’m very comfortable with that role and I’m told I’m very good at it! Even though I didn’t think I could or ever would, I do actually enjoy being on stage. There's a lot less stress because I only have to worry about myself.

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With your experience, have you considered directing?

I was once the assistant director for a production. I don’t know that directing is in the cards for me. Being the director is a huge responsibility! I’ve been fortunate to have worked with and learned from the best directors locally, Mark Foreman being one of those directors. There’s so much more to directing that people don’t know of or understand. What audiences see for a couple hours on stage, it took weeks or months to pull together. Furthermore, what happens on stage is nothing compared to what happens backstage. Sometimes that’s where all the drama really is. 

 

What's your dream role/show?

I don’t have a “dream” show to work on. As the stage manager, the show has already been chosen and my only option is whether I want to work on that particular show or not. 

 

What makes a good stage manager? 

I think a good stage manager should definitely have a love for and understanding of theatre. They should be able to work well with the director, cast and crew. The stage manager has to be able to anticipate the needs of the director and know that each director is different in how they direct. A good stage manager should be able to multi-task, provide information, listen, give feedback, suggestions, etc. It's important to remember that the stage manager is just one member of the production team. The ultimate goal is for all members of the team to work cohesively and efficiently together with the cast.

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What is special about community theater?

Honestly, it's truly the community. People from all backgrounds, all walks of life, and all occupations make community theatre what it is. We are together for weeks of rehearsals, pulling long hours with no pay, and yet we all still show up! The dedication, the love of theatre, the feeling of belonging, the teamwork, the accomplishment all makes it worthwhile when that curtain goes up.