Starting a new job can be daunting, especially when replacing someone known for excellence.
Senior Kayla Balikyan-Davis is currently stepping into the role of Production Stage Manager (PSM) for the Theater Department for the first time, after training all of high school.
A PSM is arguably the most important role in any theatrical production, ensuring every crew runs smoothly, calling the quest for the show, directing others on timing and, most importantly, taking lots of notes.
“Being a PSM is a lot of managing and coordinating with crews and actors,” Balikyan-Davis said. “I have to schedule people and make sure they all get their job done. So generally it’s a lot of coordination and collaboration.”
Creating a production involves significant pressure, especially for Balikyan-Davis, who also has to balance academics and extracurriculars.
“I balance by always knowing what is ahead,” she said. “I am always conscious of what is coming up in life. It helps me stay organized and see what needs to be done and when.”
The previous PSM, Ethan Rodda, held the position during his junior and senior years. He not only kept everything running smoothly, but also served as lighting designer for smaller shows.
“Ethan trained me last year,” she said. “He taught me what to do, and how to manage everything. Having previous insight on the job has really helped me because I know and understand how to manage everything.”
Despite her excitement, Balikyan-Davis expressed some uncertainty and nerves.
“I do feel some pressure,” she said. “It is a little intimidating at times. I want to make sure I’m just as good, if not better than Ethan. However, it’s nice to know he set the bar. Now I know what is expected of me, and I have some help to guide me through the process. ”
Getting to this point wasn’t easy for Balikyan-Davis. It’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication.
“I’ve been involved in tech at Van Nuys for four years,” she said. “My freshman year I started off as run crew and then my sophomore year I wanted to get a lot more involved so I started assisting stage managing, and it was at this point where I began to get really into technical theater.”
Balikyan-Davis got so involved that she is now the President of the Technical Theater Club, which meets every Friday in the auditorium.
Becoming PSM is a goal she’s had for years — a passion that grew since sophomore year.
“I never really had a single moment that made me want to do it, but just the experience throughout all the years I’ve been doing it has made me want to PSM,” she said. “Just seeing how much you do and how much of an impact you make on the show all made me want to go for the top.”
Even though she loves all aspects of a production, her favorite is seeing the finished product.
“Seeing how we start from nothing and create such an incredible production is my favorite part,” she said. “I love seeing everything get put together.”
The new PSM offers a few words of encouragement for anyone interested in becoming a PSM or starting a new job.
“Don’t be scared, just do it,” she said. “It’ll all work itself out.”
Balikyan-Davis will be working live as the new PSM for the upcoming musical theater production of “Mamma Mia!” in March 2025.
