This research delves into the diverse stage management styles and practices within two distinct cultural and geographical contexts: Nigeria and the United States. Focusing on the theatrical landscapes of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Nigeria and Villanova University in the United States, the study employs Qualitative Comparative Analysis to explore the techniques employed by stage managers and their reflection of broader theatrical norms in each country. Through in-depth interviews, observations, and surveys with experienced stage managers, directors, and practitioners, the research unveils the similarities and differences in stage management practices, considering factors such as cultural influences, educational systems, funding resources, and technology integration. The study also examines the impact of globalization on stage management, highlighting how international collaborations and exchange programs shape theatrical production methods in both nations.
As a valuable contribution to theatre studies, this research offers insights for practitioners, educators, and scholars navigating the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation in stage management practices. Ultimately, the study seeks to foster a cultural exchange between Nigerian and American theatre communities, promoting mutual appreciation and encouraging the adoption of effective stage management techniques to elevate the quality of theatrical productions and cultivate a more interconnected global theatre community.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of Research Problem
1.3 Research Questions
1.4 Research Aims and Objectives
1.5 Expected Contribution to Knowledge
1.6 Scope of the Study
1.7 Methodology
1.8 Theoretical Framework
1.9 Operational Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
2.1 The Concept of Stage Management
2.2 Historical Development of Stage Management
2.3 Types of Stage Infrastructure
2.4 Stage Geography
2.5 Stage Management and Communication
2.6 Stage Management Styles and Practices in Nigerian Universities and the Abroad
2.6.1 Stage Management in Nigerian Universities
2.6.2 Stage Management Abroad
2.7 Stage Management Styles
CHAPTER THREE: STAGE MANAGEMENT STYLES AND PRACTICES AT OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, NIGERIA
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Stage Management at Obafemi Awolowo University
3.3 Selected Theatrical Productions at Obafemi Awolowo University
3.4 Stage Management Styles and Practices in Selected Theatrical Performances at Pit Theatre, Obafemi Awolowo University
CHAPTER FOUR: STAGE MANAGEMENT STYLES AND PRACTICES AT VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Stage Management Styles and Practice at Villanova University
4.3 Comparison with Nigerian Styles and Practices
4.4 SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Summary of Findings
5.2 Recommendations
5.3 Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This study investigates the stage management techniques, styles, and practices employed in educational theatre within two distinct cultural and geographic contexts: Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria and Villanova University in the United States, aiming to compare how these institutions adapt to theatrical requirements and resource availability.
- Comparative analysis of Nigerian and American university stage management
- Evaluation of stage management leadership styles (Authoritative vs. Democratic)
- Implementation of technology and communication networks in theatre production
- Resource management and problem-solving strategies in educational settings
- Historical context and evolution of stage management in Nigeria and abroad
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background to the Study
In contemporary times, the role of stage manager is no longer an unskilled, untrained worker attempting to run a show, but an educated, dedicated person that must know more about the theatrical process than nearly every other position in the theatre world (Schneider 1). Now, students have countless colleges and universities across the globe to choose from, when they are interested in studying stage management. Students can choose colleges that have a declared, titled “Stage Management” major, or a programme that allows students the freedom to major in a “Theatrical Studies” degree with specialisation in stage management. With universities offering stage management courses, more students will gain the knowledge of what a stage manager does and how crucial the role is to a theatrical production and process.
In the theatre, there is more than just what the audience sees on the stage. In the background, there is a whole team involved with the production process of a show. Among this team is the stage manager, who is fully in charge of the entire production; supervising, coordinating, managing activities and personnel to ensure a hitch-free and successful production. Hence, the success or failure of every performance depends on the stage manager which basically relies on his/her managerial style and practices.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides the background of the study, the research problem, objectives, and defines key terms while establishing the theoretical framework based on group dynamics.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This section reviews existing literature on stage management as a collaborative process, its historical development, various infrastructure types, and established management styles.
CHAPTER THREE: STAGE MANAGEMENT STYLES AND PRACTICES AT OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, NIGERIA: This chapter focuses on the operational status, theatre department, and specific productions at Obafemi Awolowo University, analyzing how students apply stage management in practice.
CHAPTER FOUR: STAGE MANAGEMENT STYLES AND PRACTICES AT VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY: This chapter explores the theatrical culture and stage management practices at Villanova University, conducting a comparative analysis with Nigerian approaches and performing a SWOT analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE: This concluding chapter summarizes the key research findings and offers specific recommendations for knowledge exchange and technical development between the two institutions.
Keywords
Stage Management, Educational Theatre, Theatre Production, Obafemi Awolowo University, Villanova University, Group Dynamics, Theatrical Performance, Stage Infrastructure, Stage Geography, Comparative Analysis, Stage Direction, Theatre Management, Directing, Artistic Production, Rehearsal Process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research examines and compares stage management styles and practices within the educational theatre departments of Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria and Villanova University in the United States.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study covers the history of stage management, stage infrastructure, communication models in theatre, leadership styles, and the impact of available resources on theatrical production.
What is the central research question?
The work seeks to determine the differences between Nigerian and American stage management styles and practices, their respective strengths and weaknesses, and their impact on the success of educational productions.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The research adopts a Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) method, incorporating observation, participatory assessment, interviews, and a review of relevant scholarly literature.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body investigates the historical origins of stage management, details the different theatre configurations (Proscenium, Thrust, Arena, etc.), and provides a critical comparative look at the practices at Obafemi Awolowo University and Villanova University.
Which specific keywords define the study?
Key terms include stage management, educational theatre, group dynamics, stage geography, and comparative theatrical analysis.
How do resource levels impact production in the studied universities?
The study finds that limited budgets at Obafemi Awolowo University foster ingenuity and resourcefulness, whereas access to advanced infrastructure at Villanova University supports more technology-integrated, professional-level production standards.
How does the usage of communication technology differ between the two institutions?
OAU predominantly utilizes informal digital tools like WhatsApp to maintain close-knit team communication, while Villanova utilizes formal, industry-standard equipment such as walkie-talkies and specialized software to enhance efficiency in larger setups.
- Quote paper
- Gbenga Adeboye (Author), 2023, Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Stage Management. A Comparative Analysis of Theatrical Practices in Nigerian and American Universities, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1423958
