Michelle Maneri – Perspectives – Stephanie J Bartik

Michelle Maneri.

Perspectives

By Stephanie J Bartik

A peek into the life of people performing jobs within the local music and arts scene, in non-traditional roles, and how they navigate a realm where traditional roles are often tinted with gender, age, and racial bias. Here, I hope to unveil a narrative of resilience, where they tirelessly maneuver through obstacles, shedding light on the unspoken struggle of people in the music scene who must work doubly hard to command the respect they rightfully deserve.

This edition: Michelle Maneri: Lighting Tech

In the dimly lit backstage of Wicked, where the magic happened both on and off the stage, Michelle Maneri, a seasoned lighting technician, shared her journey into the world of stage lighting. Since 1989, she had been weaving her magic behind the scenes, breaking barriers and stereotypes in a profession dominated by men.

Michelle’s career began at Saratoga Winners, a starting point that set the stage for her incredible journey. From there, she navigated the Syracuse music scene, facing challenges head-on as a woman in a male-dominated field. Then, a move to Albany brought a 12-year stint at Vapor nightclub, abruptly halted by the pandemic. Undeterred, Michelle continued her craft, assisting the house tech at Wicked when needed.

When asked about her inspiration to pursue this non-traditional path, Michelle’s response was simple yet profound. She never considered gender roles; she had a talent, and she rolled with it. Mentors played a crucial role in her development, helping her blossom into the skilled technician she is today.

Challenges were inevitable, and Michelle faced them with a blend of humor and resilience. Confronting bands skeptical of her abilities due to her gender, she countered with wit and experience, shutting down stereotypes with a simple, “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t know what I was doing.” Michelle’s ability to handle adversity and her sharp comebacks earned her respect in the industry.

Michelle believes her unique perspective as a woman brings a special touch to her work. Bands perceive her as non-judgmental and less threatening, making communication smoother. Her experience with various music genres enhances her ability to understand and fulfill a band’s vision.

For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Michelle’s advice is both empowering and realistic. Acknowledge the initial hurdles, work twice as hard, and let your talents speak for themselves. Over time, the pushback diminishes as your reputation grows.

In the male-dominated rooms where Michelle often finds herself, she remains undaunted. Once, faced with skepticism from a crew member who exclaimed, “Great. I get the girl,” Michelle responded not with words but with actions, leading a green crew to break records in setting up a show.

Her diversity shines not just in her approach to work but also in problem-solving. Michelle recalls a moment when, faced with lighting issues, she used bubble gum and gaff tape to fashion a solution, showcasing her ability to think outside the box.

As for diversity initiatives in the industry, Michelle highlights the importance of spotlighting non-traditional individuals. She emphasizes the need for visibility, as those behind the scenes tend to remain invisible.

Michelle’s journey is one of triumph over adversity, humor in the face of stereotypes, and a passion for her craft that transcends societal norms. Through her experiences, she has not only paved the way for herself but also ‘illuminated’ a path for others to follow, ensuring that the spotlight in the world of stage lighting is diverse and inclusive.

To contact/hire Michelle, please contact her at: Michellemaneri@gmail.com

More on Stephanie J. Bartik.