You're facing unexpected changes in the production process. How can you ensure the team stays on track?

Do the right thing. Stay with the project or quit. And since Linkedin requires more letters for this answer. Stay. Or. Quit. Stay. Or Quit.

Anticipation is a skill learned with time. Having been on many productions that have had everything to recasting because of illness to set constructions not living up to expectations and requiring new blocking. It's important to understand that things are going to happen and how you react is going to effect a lot of people. That being said, take each of these instances on a case by case basis, do your best in the moment, and reassess after the fact so that you can better prepare for the next one. And this is a time to understand that you are not responsible for other's feelings. I've had so many people lash out at me for things that I could not control. It's these moments that have taught me to keep a cool/professional head. Always.

I find that being clear, concise, and often neutral helps get the point across. Especially to actors. The more clear and simple I can communicate these changes, the less questions I get in return. I also find that knowing my production staff's tendencies is helpful. I've worked with many hot heads who do not take kindly to major, unexpected change. So being neutral in tone via email or meetings is key. I've also been known to acknowledge that this isn't ideal and I understand that. I've been in these situations on the design side and hated that management always tried to make it seem like less of an upset than it is. So I think relating to that and immediately pivoting to a plan of action has helped lessen any major tensions.

Always put "Subject to Change" on any and all schedules. It sets a president that things can/will change. I've also understand the importance of using your recourses. I had an ASM for a reason. We have a run crew for a reason. Plan adaption is not a time to go at it solo and try to be "Superman". This is a time to trust your team and give clear and concise direction of what needs to happen and the timeline. And I always tell my ASM "I trust you to figure this out, if what I've said isn't working". That way it avoids further delay in needing to find me to get permission to try something new. Plus it goes a long way in solidifying that trust with each other.

For designers; Parking Lot or Loading Dock time. Any time outside of the actual theatre space, I call a safe space. Directors are sometimes unreasonable and unkind so being a person of support outside of the actual building is important. For actors, one time I reworked my entire day to have open hours for my actors to process the departure of one of our leads. I had to make time early because I did not want his replacement to come and feel alienated or resented. Sometimes it's not about us as SMs, it's about what we can do for the people working on the production. There is a selflessness to this job. And the best stage managers I've worked with know how to be selfless when needed and how to take care of themselves outside of work spaces.

It's hard to be positive. It's the hardest thing in the world to watch things going sideways and having to maintain positivity. Keep it subtle. People can get annoyed if it's all rainbows and sunshine. There is a way to be positive in a palatable way to those who feel utterly hopeless, defeated, or angry. I feel if I can go into these situations with optimism, kindness, adn respect than my team will follow. Good people want to work for good people. Be a good person. Ask how people are doing and actually listen. Offer either advice, help, or just a listening ear. And show that you care.