As a stage manager, I serve as a leader within the production.  I've heard many theatre professionals in the past lovingly refer to the stage manager as "the boss" or "where the buck stops."  This is simply misleading. 

   The most basic core of my job is to help the director realize an artistic vision by being a conduit of communication for creativity and logistics.

   I do not "run the show."  I facilitate the show by elevating, connecting, and maintaining the artistry of the director, design team and cast. 

   This kind of integration requires a deep understanding of the production on both an artistic and logistical level.  Such understanding in a leadership position brings structure to collaboration, specificity to execution, and contentment to the experience as a whole.