Half-Hour

Bryan sets the mission for the show: to bring real value to your leadership journey in live entertainment. He dives deep into what truly separates a good stage manager from a great one, beyond technical skills, and shares practical ways you can grow your leadership, build trust, and create stronger backstage environments. Whether you’re early in your career or refining your craft, this episode offers actionable insights you can take back to your team today.

Making a Freelance Life Work for You by Laura Zingle is an honest and empowering look at navigating a freelance career in theatre, live events, and production. Laura shares her journey from stage management student to multi-hyphenate creative professional, offering insights into embracing flexibility, redefining success, and building a career outside the traditional 9-to-5. Whether you’re a stage manager, event coordinator, or creative freelancer, this reflection is packed with wisdom on mindset shifts, networking, and finding balance between work and life.

Read the article at: https://itshalfhour.blog/how-to-build-a-career-as-a-freelancer/

📌 Navigating a freelance career in the arts? Subscribe to Half-Hour for weekly insights on backstage leadership, sustainable freelancing, and building a career beyond the traditional path. Join at https://itshalfhour.blog/subscribe

Talking about money is uncomfortable. We get into the industry because we love the work, not because we want to haggle over pay. But just like in any profession, negotiating your salary—whether for a new job or a raise in your current role—is essential for long-term career sustainability.

Read the article at: https://itshalfhour.blog/the-four-rules-for-negotiating/

We don’t need a corporate mandate to do the right thing. As leaders, we set the tone for how our teams operate. If we care about the future of this industry, we must ensure that talent isn’t just welcomed but truly supported.

Read the full article on Half-Hour: https://itshalfhour.blog/equality-vs-equity-why-the-difference-matters-more-than-ever/

What’s the key to success? It’s not only about managing complex schedules or having the technical prowess to give you an edge; it’s mostly about the people we manage. How can you effectively lead such a diverse team? Want to know how emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and adaptability can transform your leadership style? Check out these 5 skills you can foster and build to help you manage the diverse personalities in our industry.

Read the full article on Half-Hour: https://itshalfhour.blog/managing-personalities/

Are you just showing up, or are you making a difference? The distinction between participation and contribution can make or break a production.

Read the full article on Half-Hour: https://itshalfhour.blog/participation-vs-contribution/

Ethical leadership isn’t just about making the “right” choices—it’s about building trust, fostering respect, and creating an environment where people feel valued. In the entertainment industry, where pressure and stakes are high, the way you navigate gray areas has a ripple effect.

Read the full article on Half-Hour:

https://itshalfhour.blog/why-ethical-leadership-matters/

We explore the profound impact of culture on our professional lives. We dissect how workplace environments shape creativity and collaboration, from job satisfaction to innovation. Reflecting on the importance of nurturing supportive cultures, we discuss fostering risk-taking and transparent communication. We navigate the intricacies of organizational culture and its role in employee experiences. Tune in for practical tips on promoting growth and positive workplace dynamics.

Bryan chats with Laura Zingle, a seasoned freelance stage manager based in San Diego, as she shares her journey through the unpredictable world of theater and live events. With a diverse background spanning theater, dance, music, and concerts, Laura offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of freelancing in the entertainment industry. From her MFA in Stage Management to her role as a Resident Stage Manager for the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus, her career embodies versatility and resilience.

Tune in to discover her strategies for navigating the freelance landscape, balancing parenthood with professional pursuits, and making impactful choices in a field where every opportunity counts. Whether you're an aspiring stage manager or a seasoned industry professional, this conversation promises valuable takeaways for anyone seeking to thrive in the spotlight.

Conflict can easily become an issue while working closely on live productions and often arise due to differences in opinion, misunderstandings, or even personality clashes. When conflicts are not resolved effectively, they can lead to decreased productivity, low morale, and even employee turnover. However, conflicts can be resolved with the right approach. Here are some tips for how to approach conflict resolution from a productive point-of-view to move through difficult conversations and hard feedback.