Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.
It’s Emily Salcido’s final semester at Arizona State University, but she’s not slowing down any time soon. While finishing up her coursework, she has also been working on three shows: stage managing for “The Gradient,” helping with sound design for “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” and working on scenic design for the upcoming theater “New Works Festival.”
Salcido is graduating summa cum laude from the School of Music, Dance and Theatre with a bachelor’s degree in theatre (design and production) and an emphasis in stage management. She also received a certificate in special events management and is a recipient of the Moeur Award. During her time at ASU, she’s been the recipient of the Dean’s Award and the special talent award in theater.
Her interest in theater began while performing in musicals at Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Phoenix, but she soon started doing more behind the scenes, working in the scene shop and serving as drama club president. When it came time to choose a college, she knew she wanted to stay in Arizona, following the path of her mom and aunts, who were all alumni of ASU. A self-proclaimed planner and organizer, Salcido said that stage management allows her to use her leadership skills as well as work with a variety of people.
“I really love the technical aspect and the precision that it takes,” Salcido said. “A stage manager is the connecting point between all the production points, backstage and onstage. We’re the air traffic control for everyone — making sure everything is operating the way it's supposed to and making sure everyone is in the loop. You’re the one worrying about everything. Whether it’s scheduling rehearsals and using our time wisely or in the booth and actually calling the show, everything has to be very precise or else a lot can go wrong.”
In addition to the experience she’s gained working on multiple shows at ASU, Salcido worked with Santa Cruz Shakespeare over the summer, an internship she found through ASU Clinical Assistant Professor Katie Peavey.
“During our time working together, Emily has emerged as a natural leader,” Peavey said. “You can rely on her to handle anything thrown at her, and she does so with kindness and positivity. I've had the pleasure to work with her as a mentor and a colleague, and the quality of her work continually impressed me. She is going to be amazing at whatever she does next.”
Salcido said she feels confident about her future thanks to the skills and networking she’s developed at ASU.
“There are constantly job opportunities coming through our campus, and it’s not just the jobs but also connections and learning more about the industry,” Salcido said. “I was a very timid stage manager at first; now I know how I want to operate.”
Question: What was one of your favorite classes while at ASU?
Answer: Definitely stage management. We are a tight-knit group. I’ve also really enjoyed scenic construction. Being able to get your hands on it and understand what you're working on is really, really fun. And then I'm also really enjoying sound design. I'm not a sound person, but I'm definitely learning a lot. I can hear things now that I wouldn’t pick up on in any other way.
Q: Which professor taught you the most during your time at ASU?
A: Katie Peavey has been my go-to for everything. She’s always there when I need her. She has helped me navigate things in a professional way. She’s shown me how to be a leader but also collaborative. She’s been such a great mentor.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus?
A: I really like the stage management office! It’s become a hub where everyone likes to come say hi and use the printer. It used to be a tiny closet, but we cleaned it up and now it’s really fun. It’s under the stairs in the Nelson Fine Arts Center next to Room 131.
Q: What is your best advice for current students?
A: I’d say get involved as much as you can. That's one of the best things I've ever heard. Go work on as much as you can, whether it's outside of school or inside of school. Get that experience under your belt, because it goes a long way — the people that you're with, and even the skills you walk away with.
Q: What’s a memorable experience during your undergraduate degree?
A: There's so many! “Clue” was a really big one for me — seeing it all come together. We were really running behind on the scenic aspect, so we were all-hands-on. The day before we opened, we had actors, people from the costume shop, some of the stage management team, literally everybody just in the scene shop coming down to paint. That was a really, really sweet moment where we were all in the same boat of just putting on a show.
Q: What’s one world problem you’d like to solve?
A: I would like to provide housing and food for as many people as we possibly can. It’s a big issue all over the world, and I think we should do anything we can to help people.
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