Meet Ruiqi Tong | Stage manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruiqi Tong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruiqi, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Stage management. While watching a show, you will notice the performers, obviously, and you may notice the set, the lighting, the sound, or anything else on stage. But what’s happening backstage and offstage? At the same time with fascinating performances under the spotlight, there is equally fascinating ‘traffic’ behind the curtain. Dressed all in black, we tried our best to be invisible and we actually are. When I introduce myself as a stage manager, people often have no idea, and often I can’t immediately give an answer: it’s a lot. I always consider stage managers one of those closest to the show itself. It’s both the full picture and the tiniest detail. It’s overseeing, facilitating, collaborating, and ensuring the production is moving forward smoothly. It’s leadership, organization, communication, and coordination. It’s about both the logistical and the creative side of a production. Stage management is about everything onstage, offstage, and even outside the theater. We are invisible and ubiquitous.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I got a law degree and now I am a stage manager. That sounds nonsense, but it is true. Most of the stage managers have grown up on the stage as apprentices, but I was completely an outsider. Growing up in a very traditional Chinese family, I was supposed to be on the ‘right’ track and focus on school. We don’t have high school productions or actual drama clubs, and everything I know about theatre comes from videos online. It was until university that I got more freedom, started to go to the theatre, and fell in love with it. Curtain fell. House lights on. And I heard a voice inside excitedly shouting: “This is what I want to do.”

I started my theatre practices by writing reviews, and they brought me my first job as a media editor. But I wanted to get closer. So I took an active part in school musical clubs and drama clubs as crew, actress, and director, and consistently looked for any job opportunities outside: usher, house manager, or any job related to theatre. After my persistent attempts, I finally received my first professional offer as a production assistant in a musical, where later I turned out to work as a sound operator and assistant stage manager. And that knocked on the door to my dream world. Since then I’ve had one and another chance to work on various shows, including plays, musicals, concerts, magic shows, and international productions. Now I have decided to take a pause, pursue a master’s degree in stage management, and take a new adventure in LA.

I learned how theatre works through the process, and I determined to become a stage manager. Experiencing different kinds of theater jobs, I decided to devote myself to stage management. Having a genuine love of the stage, I enjoy every minute in the rehearsal hall and backstage, and desire to be there physically and be authentically in touch with the show itself. Every time looking from the wings, I am fascinated with the light and shadows. While holding the props or calling cues, I felt truly connected to the show, part of the anticipation of hundreds of audience to whom I brought two hours of joy. Theater is a ship of grand dreams that I deeply love. I resolve to make a career out of my love for something that makes me truly feel happy and self-approval, and I want to serve as the captain who ensures this fantasy runs smoothly.

It’s a huge transfer from lawyer to stage manager, and it is not easy. As a self-taught stage manager, I had tried my best to find all kinds of resources I could learn from to make up for my lack of professional training, and still, I often feel so left behind compared to other cohorts. But that gave me the courage to say “I don’t know, could you please explain it to me?” It’s so important to admit our ignorance and that’s how we actually learn and improve. Being an interdisciplinary stage manager has brought me great pressure, but also taught me great lessons. Stay honest. Stay humble. Stay grateful. And there is never too much to learn. I have grown a lot and gradually built my confidence after setting up a positive mindset toward my shortcomings. In fact, that’s what makes me different. We are sculptures of our pasts. My irrelevant law background made me stay both organized and flexible. Theatre is an ever-changing industry. More and more new approaches including immersive theatres, and musical galas, for instance, are popping up both in Shanghai and in LA. I am very open to new forms of performance and willing to take on challenges.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Getty Villa, Malibu Beach, and In N Out. These are the first places I visited and my first impression of LA. And I immediately fell in love with the gorgeous architecture, the beautiful sea view and sunset, and the delicious burgers.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I grew up in a very traditional family in China and did my undergraduate in law school. So as you can see, I had no idea about professional theatre before I stepped into it. I have learned everything on the stage, through practice. I am very lucky to have worked with many amazing teams and great seniors. They led the team with compassion and coached me with care and support. They fully trusted me, encouraged me, acknowledged my every little growth, valued my contribution, and always offered me opportunities to challenge myself. It was them that made this theatre kid who just got into her dream world gradually manage the dream. So I’d like to shout out to the best producers, sound designers, and stage managers: Shirley Yu, Zanyar Zhang, Ying Zhang, Siqi Ma, Dian Yu, Sarah Zhang, and Jason Mai.

Instagram: @rickyyycu