It all started with Starlight Express…

Missy started working on The Hound of the Baskervilles before the cast and creatives arrived. She is part of a team of 3 that manage the stage; Sophie Acreman is Company Stage Manager, Cat Tyler is Deputy Stage Manager and Missy Steinbach is the Assistant Stage Manager.

What is your first memory of theatre? Do you remember how it made you feel? “One of my first memories of theatre is going to watch the 2004 tour of Starlight Express at Manchester Opera House. I was in awe of the whole production, and blown away by all the colourful set and costumes. I still remember the feeling of excitement when I left the theatre. So much so, I’m going to see the current production of Starlight Express 20 years later to celebrate my birthday.

What did you always want to be when you grew up? “I was three years old when I decided I wanted to be a Dancer or an Artist. I was always a creative kid growing up whether that was making up dance routines or getting paint everywhere but on my paper.”

How did you start in theatre?  “My theatre journey started with performing in school productions before going to college and learning about Stage Management. This is where I sparked my love for the role and started to reach out to local theatres to gain more knowledge about how I could pursue it as a career.”

Did you study or go to Stage Management school?  “I attended Royal Central School of Speech and Drama to specialize in Stage Management. This was a rare course that was hands-on in creating shows each term. I wasn’t the best at written work, and getting to work practically was one of the reasons I chose to study at Central. Going to Central allowed me to explore my skills and also helped me to develop my knowledge on how the industry worked.”

What’s your favourite part about your job? What’s your least favourite bit? “I enjoy being a part of each aspect of a production. From being in the rehearsal room with the Cast, to getting creative sourcing and making props. Each production I work on is completely different and why I love working on multiple genres of theatre. My least favourite bit of my job is probably when a show comes to a close as you create and build relationships with each team you work with and due to the nature of the job, you never know the next time you will get to work with them again.”

Do you have a favourite show you’ve worked on (not a trick question, it doesn’t have to be Hound) and why? “Each show I’ve worked on has many great memories attached. If I was to pick just one it would be a close called between my first professional job I worked on called Blood Harmony for ThickSkin Theatre, and my current show Hound. Both for similar reasons but the overall reason being the company I got to work with and the great experiences I’ve had.”

What would you say to anyone considering it as a career? “It’s a huge commitment but worth every minute. If your passion is theatre, then don’t give up. Research, reach out, and connect to people in the industry. There are so many ways to get involved and build to where you want to be. I started with volunteering at my local theatre, which helped me get into my training. From there, I applied to every opportunity available. You just have to trust in your abilities.”

The whole stage management and technical teams on The Hound of the Baskervilles…