Vocalists, along with directors, musicians and conductors, are just parts of the village it takes to put on a full-scale opera or theatrical production.
And stage managers and assistant stage managers are paramount in making sure the show runs smoothly and professionally.
So, Park City Opera will rely on stage manager Caitlin Denney-Turner and assistant stage manager Lila Baker Stein, who is also a summer intern, to keep its upcoming production of Aaron Copland’s “The Tender Land,” which runs July 18 and 19 at Temple Har Shalom on track.
Meet Caitlin Denney-Turner, the stage manager
Park City Opera’s stage manager Caitlin Denney-Turner is experienced in opera, theater and Shakespearean performance through their work as resident assistant stage manager and production associate with The Atlanta Opera.
The upcoming production of “The Tender Land” marks the first time they’ve worked with Park City Opera, even though they have worked with Artistic Director and Co-founder Benjamin Beckman.
“We worked together on a small show called ‘La Belle et La Bete’ late last year at the Atlanta Opera,” they said.
The production is a chamber opera based on Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film created by composer Philip Glass.
“We had a wonderful time,” Denney-Turner said. “So, when this position became available at Park City Opera, I wanted to apply.”
A stage manager is responsible for all things behind the scenes, according to Denney-Turner.
“I’m responsible for keeping everything in the performances going,” they said. “I make sure the performers are where they are supposed to be. I make sure the lights go on when they are supposed to go on and I make sure everyone understands what is happening at any time in the show.”
For this show, in particular, Denney-Turner is also serving as the assistant director to Lisl Wangermann, Park City Opera’s development director and co-founder, who is directing “The Tender Land.”
“I make sure all of Lisl’s blocking notes and any motivation for the actors are written down, so they can check in with me,” they said. “I have to be able to see the bigger picture of the show while everyone else can focus on their individual parts.”
Denney-Turner wasn’t familiar with “The Tender Land” before they were recruited to stage manager.
“But the more I told people about it, the more I found it’s a show that has been done all over,” they said. “I think it’s one of those shows that appeals to people because it’s about the American Spirit.”
Even Denney-Turner’s father knew about it.
“He’s a professor at the University of Wyoming, and he builds sets and he’s a sound designer,” said Denney-Turner, who cited Naomi Wallace’s “The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek” as their favorite play. “I found out from him they did the production a couple of years ago as part of their Summer Stock.”
Although Denney-Turner has skied in Park City, this is the first summer they will experience, and that sits well with them.
“To come here and work with a young group of people that is so inspired about creating community and making sure the work inspires the community is a breath of fresh air,” Denney-Turner said.
Meet Lila Baker Stein, the assistant stage manager
Lila Baker Stein, who is Park City Opera’s summer intern and the assistant stage manager for “The Tender Land,” has lived in Park City for the past eight years. She heard about Park City Opera last year.
“I thought it would be a great experience and a chance to get involved with the artistic community here,” she said.
Her duties as assistant stage manager for “The Tender Land” is to help Denney-Turner.
“A lot of that is staying alert and making sure I’m here for the actors,” she said. “I make sure they have their props, especially during rehearsals when we don’t have our actual sets. I also mark their entrances and exits and keep track of pretty much everything.”
Although Stein knew the music of Aaron Copland, she had not heard of the opera.
“I have to tell you that I’m loving it, though,” she said.
Stein, who is double majoring in theater and politics at New York University, cited “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan Macmillian and Jonny Donahoe as one of her favorite plays, and she has a soft spot for Jason Robert Brown’s Tony Award-winning musical, “Parade,” which is about the 1913 trial and 1915 lynching of Leo Frank, a factory manager who lived in Atlanta, Georgia.
“It’s a really important piece, and the revival was great,” she said. “I also like ‘Catch Me If You Can.’ I love the music and the movie.”
Stein has always loved singing and was in a rock choir when she lived in Texas.
“When I moved here, I thought I’d try theater, which is one of the least cliquish things in high school,” she said. “I was in Egyptian Theatre’s YouTheatre program, and I stuck with it, and I was also involved with high school theater, where I acted, directed and choreographed.”
Stein is drawn to Park City Opera’s mission to bring opera to the community.
“Having an organization like this to make opera more accessible is awesome,” she said.