Kendall Vega is putting all her faith into doing what she loves before she graduates this December. For the past few months, her life has revolved around stage managing her final show at FIU, Red Velvet. We managed to sit down with her for a round of 7 Questions.
1. For anyone who has no idea what happens backstage during a play, how would you describe what a Stage Manager does?
During tech when all the cues are added, all the designers are like “here’s our vision” and then I consider it my duty to keep the integrity of the show of what they want to see and make sure the audience is seeing their vision. I’m calling cues to make that happen, making sure all the set pieces are moving in the way they wanted to and making sure the actors are keeping the blocking with the language the playwright intended. Everything’s happening cohesively.
2. What has been your favorite cue to call while at FIU?
“Lights, go” in A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings. I had to stand on a chair in the booth so I could see the actors that were in the aisles of the theatre. They had flashlights on and the whole theatre was dark. The cue was to turn the lights on onstage right as they turned their flashlights off. So I had to look for when they were swooping down with their flashlights so I could call the cue. We got the timing down perfectly.
3. If you could choose one Disney song to describe your mood this semester, what would it be?
Two Worlds from Tarzan. “Put your faith in what you most believe in” is a line that’s sticking out to me right now. I’m just putting all my faith into what I love to do this semester and trying to get the most out of every second.
4. Why are you obsessed with RuPaul’s Drag Race?
My obsession with RuPaul’s Drag Race started with my cousin. I have cousins out in California, and one of them is an editor on Drag Race. One day, I donated blood after the Pulse shooting and got sick so I went home and they were having a Drag Race marathon. That was my deep dive into it and it’s just grown from there. I love it because it’s a show for everyone. Everyone can enjoy it, everyone can take something from it — like no tea, no shade if you don’t love yourself, how are you gonna love somebody else?
5. What would you name a play about your life?
I Know What’s Going On But Please Tell Me What’s Going On. I always know, but I’m always double checking.
6. Can you share some spoilers on your grad cap decoration?
It’s Parks and Rec themed. Leslie Knope is my spirit animal when it comes to stage management.
7. Why should FIU students come and see Red Velvet?
It’s history. It’s something that actually happened and shouldn’t be forgotten. It’s still relevant today. Today, we can still learn from things that happened over a hundred years ago.
