Meet Trailblazer Cara Cincione

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Cincione.

Cara, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began doing theatre in high school, where I acted in school plays during the year and worked as a production assistant or assistant stage manager at local theatre companies on school breaks, and I really enjoyed that environment. I think what interested (and still interests) me most about theatre is that it’s the most direct form of storytelling. Especially now, where many artists are divided from their audiences by a screen, live theatre creates a space where artists can connect immediately and directly to their audience. When I first started college at SUNY Purchase, I thought I wanted to become an actor, but after stage managing a few student productions, I decided to stick with stage management. Throughout my college education, I received some very cool opportunities to get hands-on training at school, and at internships and jobs. At purchase, I was able to produce many shows in collaboration with organizations like My Sister’s Place, Center Lane, and Standing Rock. I also got to intern with New York City Opera’s stage management team on their production of Angels in America, and I worked at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival as a production associate. Since graduating, I’ve been working as a stage manager and production assistant at Off-Broadway theaters and local festivals.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As a recent college graduate, I’m facing the same struggles that many young professionals who are beginning their careers are: gaining experience, working entry-level jobs, etc. I spent my first few months out of school working full time as an unpaid intern, where I met some of the best professionals, as well as some of the kindest people, in my field and I made some great connections but had to work all kinds of odd jobs during my remaining free time in order to pay bills. As a freelancer, there’s sometimes the challenge of not knowing what your next project is, especially when there are weeks between jobs. As a young woman, I’m often underestimated and condescended to, even when I’m in a management position, and through these experiences, I’ve learned how to take up the space I need in order to lead a team. I’ve been very lucky to have had many female supervisors who have faced struggles much harder than mine before me, and because of it, have worked to create safe work environments where women after them are treated much more fairly. It’s because of this that I’ve learned to always support my female coworkers, whether it’s making sure they receive credit for their ideas or shutting down petty gossip.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I’m an aspiring arts manager, specializing in stage management at the moment but I hope to explore other branches of theatre management as I advance through my career. For me, theatre management combines my interest in studying texts with the organizational and administrative challenges of bringing the world of a play to life on stage. It’s so satisfying to me to work on a show and watch a piece develop from the script, through the rehearsal process, and onto the stage. Through my work, I get to connect with people from all over and experience narratives and performance styles I may not otherwise be exposed to. Especially now, live theatre is such a great educational and political tool that can engage audiences with new ideas and concepts to create more understanding in such a divided time.

As a stage manager, I function as the center point of communication to connect all of the team members (including directors, actors, designers, producers, administrative staff, etc.). A lot of this is done by documenting the process, which is extremely important for communicating technical needs and directorial ideas to those who aren’t always in the rehearsal room or performance space. My personal goal as an arts manager is to create safe and inclusive spaces where artists feel comfortable to introduce thoughts and ideas.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
My mom has been such a major role model for me throughout my life. Growing up, I got to witness her as, of course, one of my kind and supportive parents, but also as a focused professional and advocate for young women and minorities in her field. I’m also constantly inspired by my friends and other young women and non-gender conforming people because we get to witness and support each other through our successes and challenges, and celebrate together or learn from each other.

Contact Info:

• Email: cara.m.cincione@gmail.com
• Instagram: @caraboutnothing
• Twitter: @caraboutnothing
• Other: https://www.larktheatre.org/about-us/our-people/cara-cincione/

Image Credit:
Lou Brandt, Alyssa DeMarco, Sarah Shatzhie, Jewel Slade

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