TMA Production Manager Jennifer Reed Answers Questions About BYU’s Theatre Department
Jennifer Reed has worked for BYU as the Department of Theatre and Media Arts (TMA) Production Manager for nearly 17 years. As a former BYU theatre student and current mentor for students, Reed answers questions about what makes BYU theatre productions unique and shares her advice on how theatre students can establish a work-life balance amid a demanding schedule.
Q: How Long Have You Been Working At BYU and What is Your Favorite Part About Your Job?
Reed: I will be starting my 17th year at BYU in October and my favorite part is working with the students.
Prior to coming to BYU, I worked professionally for about 17 years. I worked as a stage manager and production manager. I also worked in the music industry. When the opportunity to come back to BYU came, I decided to take it. The thing I love the most about BYU is the students. I really enjoy being able to watch them progress and to teach them about the industry. I also love keeping in touch with the students that I mentor after they leave BYU and getting to celebrate their successes with them.
Q: What is Your Favorite Part About Your Position as TMA Production Manager?
Reed: I love working with creatives. I love working with a team. I think one of my strengths is that I'm a team player. As a production manager I am in charge of all aspects of the department’s productions. A large part of my job is to make sure that the production hits the stage on time and on budget and troubleshoot any issues that appear in the process. I also enjoy being part of the creative process and working with directors, designers and actors to see their ideas and visions come together.
Q: In Your Experience, What Does a TMA Student’s Schedule Look Like When They Are Working on a Production?
Reed: It is an intense schedule. One year we kept track of all the hours a stage management student worked during a production and it amounted to about the same as a full-time job. This kind of work is pretty intense for students. They have classes during the day and then most of the time their evenings are taken up by the production. In our department we typically rehearse from about 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Additionally, there are many other things outside of rehearsal that need to be done.
There is a lot of paperwork and organization involved for the stage managers. For example, scene changes, costume changes and props need to be written on paper. Stage managers also attend production meetings every week. Schedules for actors are similar—most need to be at rehearsal every night—and rather than paperwork they are trying to memorize lines, learn their roles, etc. It is pretty demanding for all students.
Q: What Advice Would You Give to Aspiring TMA Students When It Comes to Balancing School and Productions?
Reed: I suggest avoiding taking your most demanding classes at the same time as a production. I also encourage planning your day-to-day schedule a little more thoroughly so that you don’t get overwhelmed. I think as a theatre student, it's easy to want to take every opportunity that's handed to you. However, sometimes you have to say no. It is better to take things slow so that you can prioritize your homework and classes. It is important to remember you are still a student. I also think it's important to have a social life.
As I mentioned, one of the things that I ask my students to do is to become familiar with using calendars and to schedule their homework time, a date night and time to hang out with their friends. I think the earlier you can learn to create a work-life balance, the easier it will be in the future.
Q: What Is Something Unique About the BYU Department of Theatre and Media Arts Productions?
Reed: At BYU we are very blessed with our resources. I think we can produce incredibly high-caliber shows for a university which is one of the things that makes us unique.
I also think that the department is very warm and welcoming and that students are incredibly supported in the department. The faculty and staff of the department are so passionate about finding ways to help the students have opportunities that will help them in their careers.
Q: How Do TMA Productions Prepare Students For a Career?
Reed: BYU is a very undergraduate focused university. We do our best to make sure students have a resume or portfolio that is strong enough for them to get their foot in the door with only a bachelor’s degree. I think we try to be supportive and provide opportunities for students. One thing that I help produce is the annual New York Showcase which was specifically designed to give acting students more opportunities as they move on from BYU.
Q: How Does Your Faith Impact Your Work?
Reed: I never saw myself working in academics, but I have seen the Lord's hand in my life after coming back to BYU. In many ways, theatre is a very difficult field to be in. When I was working professionally, I had shows every day; at times it was overwhelming, but I feel that BYU has grounded me.
I am grateful that I am able to do what I love in a place that allows me to incorporate my faith into my work. Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I had continued to work professionally. I feel very blessed that I had the Lord's hand to direct me back to BYU. Former president of BYU Rex E. Lee once said something along the lines of "My work at BYU is my salvation," and now I feel that way too.