The Need for a Centralized Management Tool
Sarah, a seasoned stage manager at NRTG, has been deeply involved in theatre across Western New York for over a decade. She was introduced to StageHub during its early testing phase by the developer, who sought feedback from industry professionals. Sarah quickly recognized the potential of StageHub to fill a critical need for mass communication within the theatre, a task that previously relied on fragmented tools like email.
Streamlining Communication and Scheduling
StageHub became an indispensable tool for Sarah, particularly for inputting production schedules and communicating with the cast and crew. Sarah appreciated the platform's ability to centralize communication, reducing the reliance on multiple tools and making it easier to keep everyone informed. "It filled a need of mass communication without relying on email or individually inputting everyone’s information," Sarah shared.
Enhancing Workflow Efficiency
StageHub has significantly improved the efficiency of production management at NRTG. Sarah noted how the platform's scheduling feature was particularly useful, though she expressed a need for further enhancements, such as confirmation features to ensure actors receive and understand important messages. Additionally, Sarah highlighted some challenges with navigating between personal profiles and production management, as well as difficulties with the calendar time function.
Impact and Success Stories
The adoption of StageHub has led to measurable improvements in communication and coordination within NRTG. While Sarah primarily used the platform for scheduling and communication, she acknowledged its broader potential to streamline theatre operations. StageHub's impact is most evident in its ability to centralize essential functions, making it easier for Sarah and her team to manage complex productions.
Feedback and Future Developments
Sarah rated her overall satisfaction with StageHub an 8 out of 10, praising its core features while also suggesting areas for improvement. She emphasized the importance of organizational buy-in to fully realize the platform's potential, noting that features like a centralized digital place for emergency contact information could further enhance operational efficiency.
Customer Spotlight
Niagara Regional Theatre Guild (NRTG) is a non-profit organization with over a century of history, originally founded as Niagara Falls Little Theatre. Producing five mainstage shows annually, NRTG's productions range from musicals with large casts and crews to intimate plays. With multiple weeks of full house audiences, there is a high standard for organization throughout the production process.
Sarah has been involved in theatre in Western New York for over a decade, primarily as an actor but also as a frequent stage manager, assistant/co-director, and technical crew. Some of her favorite experiences include the roles of Maggie (“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”), Mary Bailey (“It’s a Wonderful Life”), and Alais (“The Lion in Winter”), as well as assistant directing “Man of La Mancha” and stage managing “Company”. In the early days of re-discovering her passion for theatre, Sarah was also a co-director of a youth theatre program.