Meet an Apprentice: Miranda Lee

Miranda Lee, Stage Management Apprentice

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Greenville, SC

Education/Training: BA in Theatre and BS in Statistics from The George Washington University

Favorite Show you have been a part of: At Olney, Fiddler on the Roof. Ever, Sunday in the Park with George as Celeste #2!

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Which apprenticeship are you part of at Olney Theatre and what does that position involve? 

First and foremost, I’m a huge nerd. I absolutely love anything fantasy - particularly gritty medieval fantasy. I've played video games since I was probably 3 or 4, when my dad used to let me sit on his lap while he played Dungeon Siege and Oblivion. I'm now an avid World of Warcraft player, singer, and statistics geek. During the pandemic, I helped start and run a virtual musical theatre group called Musicals Smule, with whom I was a director, performer, graphic designer, sound designer, and video editor. 

I've always been a sort of “Jack of all trades” kind of person, and that translates well to my position as the Stage Management Apprentice at Olney! Although my job title on shows is Assistant Stage Manager, which means I'm in the rehearsal room from the beginning and working alongside the stage manager to handle props, wardrobe, hospitality, etc. When it comes to working backstage, I could be asked to move set pieces, cook consumables, help with a quick change, cue actors, fly things in and out on the rail, help our Stage Ops Manager with a repair, or even cover another crew member’s track if they need to be absent last minute.

Why are you interested in this area of theatre?

I absolutely love being in the rehearsal room, keeping things organized, working with actors and designers to keep the process moving smoothly, and working during shows backstage and in the booth, literally making the show happen. It’s just so rewarding!

What inspired you to get into theatre?

I’ve always been an artistically inclined person. When I was little, I would dance around my room to orchestral music and pretend to be a ballerina, sing to all of the Barbie movie songs (shoutout to "Princess and the Pauper"), and give performances of Celtic Woman songs to my walls. Then, when I was about 12, my mom sat me down to watch The Phantom of the Opera film - and I was hooked from then on. I continued to perform in middle school and high school, but it wouldn't be until college that I found how much I loved working backstage and stage managing.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?

I am organized, logical, and literal. I've never considered myself an incredibly creative person (though I suppose I must be, to some extent). I'm not a fan of the abstract in my art, and I thrive in realism. I think that's why I love stage management as much as I do - it’s about making those creative ideas concrete so it can all be broken down into lists and information that anyone could follow to actually do the show.

What do you like to do outside of theatre?

Play video games and read, mostly! I'm currently playing Baldur’s Gate 3, Destiny 2, and World of Warcraft, and I'm on book 17 of my 100 Books In 2024 goal. I'm definitely an introvert, so when I'm not working, recharging at home is my favorite thing to do. I've also found a recent love for music arranging, so I've been working with my sister to arrange, record, and mix covers of video game music that I've arranged for multiple voices.

What is your favorite part of this apprenticeship so far?

The people are my favorite part of the apprenticeship. I've loved getting to work with so many interesting and amazing people on the shows I've worked so far - they make each show new and exciting and I feel like I'm learning so much! Also, this apprentice class is just so wonderful, and we all get along so well and I have just the best time hanging out with them!