Learn how to manage your stress and fatigue during dry tech, a crucial phase of stage management where you coordinate all the technical elements of a show.

Delegating is very important but making sure there is a clear chain of command is vital. The buck needs to stop somewhere and if there are too many cooks in the kitchen on too many things, confusion can dominate.

Making sure you keep yourself topped up on health food and water and not just live on snacks. And remember to have a break, even a short one, and get your legs up.

How do you manage your own stress and fatigue during dry tech?

Dry tech is a crucial phase of stage management, where you coordinate all the technical elements of a show without the actors. It can also be a stressful and exhausting time, as you deal with long hours, complex cues, and unforeseen challenges. How do you manage your own stress and fatigue during dry tech, and ensure that you deliver a smooth and professional production? Here are some tips to help you cope and thrive during this demanding process.

1 Plan ahead

One of the best ways to reduce stress and fatigue during dry tech is to plan ahead as much as possible. This means having a clear and detailed cue sheet, a realistic schedule, a backup plan, and a checklist of tasks and materials. You should also communicate with the director, the designers, the crew, and the venue staff beforehand, and clarify their expectations, responsibilities, and availability. By planning ahead, you can avoid confusion, delays, and errors, and have more time and energy to focus on the technical aspects of the show.

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2 Take breaks

Another important tip to manage your stress and fatigue during dry tech is to take regular breaks. This means not only taking the scheduled breaks, but also finding moments to step away from the console, stretch your body, drink some water, eat some snacks, or breathe some fresh air. You should also respect your limits, and avoid working beyond your assigned hours, unless absolutely necessary. Taking breaks can help you recharge your batteries, prevent burnout, and maintain your concentration and performance.

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Levi Roberts, M.A.

Disney Technical Entertainment Manager - EPCOT Nighttime Spectaculars. Leader. Multipotentialite.
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A term I have coined is “spontaneous uptime”. Essentially what it means is to work when you are feeling it. Don’t ever be afraid to get ahead. If you’re off, and in your back yard, and feel like reading a script. Take advantage of your mindset. However, the key to avoiding burnout, is that this spontaneous up-time has to be flexed from your scheduled uptime. In other words, let yourself get ahead without pulling other tasks forward. Get ahead, go in a couple hours later. Keep your boss informed. Something like “I had a great spontaneous work session yesterday, and I am going to flex my time tomorrow a bit because I am ahead. I’ll be in about 2 hours after I initially expected” Usually does the trick. Try not to fight your natural thoughts.

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3 Delegate and collaborate

A third tip to manage your stress and fatigue during dry tech is to delegate and collaborate with others. You don't have to do everything by yourself, and you can rely on your assistant stage manager, your stage crew, your designers, and your director to help you with some tasks and decisions. You should also communicate effectively and respectfully with them, and listen to their feedback and suggestions. By delegating and collaborating, you can reduce your workload, share your challenges, and foster a positive and supportive team spirit.

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Tosha Marie

Owner/Executive Director of TMProductions | Freelance Choreographer | Teaching Artist | Musical Theatre Performer | Dance Coach |
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Delegating is very important but making sure there is a clear chain of command is vital. The buck needs to stop somewhere and if there are too many cooks in the kitchen on too many things, confusion can dominate.

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Berit Wolsted Jones
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Making sure you keep yourself topped up on health food and water and not just live on snacks. And remember to have a break, even a short one, and get your legs up.

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4 Prioritize and adapt

A fourth tip to manage your stress and fatigue during dry tech is to prioritize and adapt to the changing circumstances. You may encounter some problems, changes, or requests that are beyond your control, and that may affect your original plan or vision. You should be able to identify what is essential and what is negotiable, and adjust your cue sheet, your schedule, or your approach accordingly. You should also be flexible and creative, and find solutions that work for the show, the director, and the audience.

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Levi Roberts, M.A.

Disney Technical Entertainment Manager - EPCOT Nighttime Spectaculars. Leader. Multipotentialite.
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A major part of prioritizing, is simplifying. Almost never, is the first idea the best idea, and certainly the most complex idea may not be the either. As mentioned, clearly defining what is negotiable leads to a hit list of items that can be removed. The best stage managers adjust, refine, and simplify having the least cues.

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5 Celebrate and reflect

A fifth tip to manage your stress and fatigue during dry tech is to celebrate and reflect on your achievements. You should acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication that you and your team have put into the show, and celebrate the successful completion of dry tech. You should also reflect on what went well and what could be improved, and learn from your experience. By celebrating and reflecting, you can boost your morale, reward yourself, and grow as a stage manager.

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6 Prepare for the next phase

A final tip to manage your stress and fatigue during dry tech is to prepare for the next phase of the production: wet tech. This means reviewing your cue sheet, checking your equipment, updating your paperwork, and rehearsing with the actors. You should also anticipate some changes, challenges, or surprises that may arise during wet tech, and be ready to deal with them. By preparing for the next phase, you can ensure a smooth transition from dry tech to wet tech, and from wet tech to opening night.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Theodore N.

Box Office Ticket Seller
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I would also add that getting enough sleep is essential. If stress keeps you up at night, try finding ways to manage that stress which work best for you.

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How do you manage your own stress and fatigue during dry tech?

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1 Plan ahead

2 Take breaks

3 Delegate and collaborate

4 Prioritize and adapt

5 Celebrate and reflect

6 Prepare for the next phase

7 Here’s what else to consider

Stage Management

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