Behind the Scenes with Deputy Stage Manager Joni Franieczek

November 28, 2025 Off By

Insight into a key role in Leeds’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto

Joni Franieczek, Deputy Stage Manager (DSM) for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at Leeds Heritage Theatres, has shared details about her role and experience working on the festive production of Aladdin. Her interview provides a glimpse into the responsibilities and challenges of stage management, as well as her career path and involvement in local theatre.

A Day in the Life of a Deputy Stage Manager

Franieczek describes her typical day as varied and busy, with no two days being the same. During rehearsals, she takes notes, keeps time, produces rehearsal calls, and creates the prompt book, which contains all the cues needed for the performance. Technical rehearsals involve coordinating costumes, set, lighting, sound, props, and other stage elements to ensure the show runs smoothly.

On show days, her duties include resetting the stage, calling the cast for warm-up, and making backstage calls to keep everyone informed about timing. Five minutes before curtain, she calls “Beginners” to ensure cast and crew are in place before the performance begins.

Roles within Stage Management

Franieczek explains the different roles within a stage management team:

Assistant Stage Manager (ASM): Manages props, supports backstage organisation, assists the cast, and handles specific duties such as scene changes or operating special effects.
Deputy Stage Manager (DSM): Calls the show during performances, coordinating lighting, sound, flys, stage management, and pyrotechnic cues to ensure safety and timing.
Company Stage Manager (CSM): Oversees the entire stage management team, manages scheduling, rehearsal planning, budgeting, and acts as the main liaison between production, director, and house management.

Career Path and Theatre Involvement

Franieczek’s interest in theatre began with performing in pantomimes during her youth. After secondary school, she attended the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), initially focusing on set and costume design before discovering her passion for stage management. She specialised in Theatre and Performance Technology at LIPA, gaining hands-on experience in both university and professional productions.

Her involvement with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto started when she applied for the DSM role for Jack and the Beanstalk the previous year. Having enjoyed similar productions in Liverpool, she accepted the position after her interview and returned this year for Aladdin.

Work Beyond Pantomime Season

Outside of the panto season, Franieczek works on a variety of productions including amateur dramatics, music festivals, and youth theatre. Recent projects include stage managing Shrek the Musical at the Little Theatre in Southport and The Gardening Club: A New Musical at the New Wimbledon Theatre. She also served as DSM for Leeds Grand Youth Theatre’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Personal Interests and Reflections

When asked about her favourite show, Franieczek cited The Ocean At The End Of The Lane for its storytelling and technical elements such as lighting, sound design, and puppetry. Outside theatre, she enjoys spending time outdoors, walking, crocheting, and caring for her dog.

Reflecting on memorable moments from last year’s panto, she recalled a light-hearted exchange during a song where a cast member playfully distracted her with confetti, prompting her to return the gesture during the final show.