From Raleigh to the Met: AJ Helms’ journey through stage management

When School of Design & Production graduate AJ Helms first stepped into the arts, they, like many aspiring artists, were looking for a creative outlet. “In eighth grade, I wanted to be a part of our school’s musical but didn’t want to act,” Helms recalls. “The drama teacher brought me on as the stage manager and I loved it.”

That one decision launched a career path that's now led to one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. After graduating from the Stage Management concentration, Helms will begin a fellowship at the Metropolitan Opera (Met Opera) in New York City.

Discovering a passion for stage management

A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Helms immersed themself in tech theatre throughout high school. “I stage managed all throughout high school and never turned back” they say. As a student with a growing passion for backstage work, UNCSA quickly stood out. “Being from North Carolina, I had always heard of UNCSA, and after researching their Stage Management concentration it became my dream school.”

Now graduating from stage management, Helms will soon begin a new chapter as the recipient of the highly competitive and prestigious Stage Manager Fellowship at the Met Opera. “I heard about the fellowship from a friend and applied online. There were multiple rounds of interviews… I’m most excited to be surrounded by so many devoted professionals and learn from them.”

An introduction to opera

Their passion for opera and live performance didn’t emerge overnight. It was shaped by a series of productions during their time at UNCSA. “'Linda di Chamounix' (Winter Opera 2022) was my first show assignment at UNCSA and my first ever opera,” they say. “I loved the fast-paced environment and the role that stage managers played in the room.”

Helms on set of Winter Opera 2023 "Orlando Paladino." / Photo courtesy of Helms

Each subsequent production came with its own lessons. On “Amadeus,” Helms learned the value of flexibility: “I had a habit of hyper fixating on little things… I got better at letting little things go and accepting the fact that there will always be unknowns until we are in the theater.” On “The Rivals,” they stepped into a new role as assistant director and found a deepened connection to opera. But it was “Die Fledermaus” (Winter Opera 2025) that proved to be a turning point.

“As production stage manager, I set the tone of the room and kept rehearsals flowing. I took all the skills I’d been honing for the last three years, both in the classroom and on other shows, and used them to lead a joyful and productive team,” Helms says. They navigated scheduling conflicts, supported their team through the intense winter opera process and even took on calling spot cues — a new and daunting challenge. “Although it was horrifying and I only had two orchestra dresses to practice calling them, I stepped up to the task, implemented feedback from others, and pushed forward when I made mistakes.”

The high stakes and pressure of live performance are part of what draws Helms to the field, and they’ve developed tools to meet those challenges head-on. “When high pressure moments arise, we have the training to take our knowledge of the show and its intricacies to problem solve on the fly. Keeping a cool head is critical; if the stage manager is panicked, everyone is panicked.”

Building skills beyond the stage

Beyond the rehearsal room, their coursework also shaped their approach to leadership and life. “My discussion-based stage management classes have strengthened my emotional intelligence and given me space to ask questions and practice dialogue. We learned a lot about ethical leadership, effective communication, and general inter- and intrapersonal skills.” A recent class that focused on contract negotiation and financial literacy was especially impactful. “This was one of the most helpful classes I’ve taken at UNCSA… I will use these skills for the rest of my life.”

My discussion-based stage management classes have strengthened my emotional intelligence and given me space to ask questions and practice dialogue.
AJ Helms

Helms also found meaningful growth through moments that tested their adaptability. While working on Piedmont Opera’s “Man of La Mancha” — in between UNCSA’s Winter and Spring Opera productions — a performer suddenly fell ill during Act I on opening night. “As fight captain, I had 15 minutes to re-stage both of those scenes on the fly, while ensuring the safety and comfortability of all performers and keeping the artistic integrity of the scenes.”

These experiences were underpinned by strong mentorship which Helms says they have found in stage management faculty Nikki Hyde and Molly McCarter. Since Hyde focuses on advising opera productions, Helms has worked closely with her throughout their time at UNCSA. “Nikki has been a role model of what kind of stage manager I want to be. She is calm and composed under pressure, has a great balance of being kind and assertive, and is so knowledgeable of all things stage management. She has believed in me when I’ve doubted my abilities, helped me when I’ve been stuck and pushed me to grow further than I thought I could.”

Looking toward the future

As Helms prepares to move to New York City, they feel both excited and a little nervous. “I’m looking forward to living in such a big city and the social life that comes along with being in such a gigantic art hub — and connecting with all the UNCSA students who live there.” Still, they admit, “Lincoln Center is also massive… let’s hope I don’t get lost!”

At Lincoln Center, Helms will have the unique opportunity to work alongside fellow Pickle Terry Ganley ('85), the Production Stage Manager at the Metropolitan Opera and a co-creator of the very fellowship they’re joining. Ganley will serve as one of Helms’ principal mentors. “All of the Met stage managers are looking forward to AJ being part of our team,” says Ganley.

Helms has several ways to prevent burnout including hiking, hanging out with friends and making time to play the guitar. / Photo courtesy of Helms

While opera is their current focus, Helms is keeping their future open. “I intend on pursuing opera, but I am open to any and all opportunities that excite me and would love to have an array of experiences.”

Through it all, Helms has remained grounded by self-discovery and balance.

“Professionally, I’ve learned what kind of environments I like working in. I’ve learned how much I value my working relationships with my colleagues,” they say. Personally, they’ve developed habits that help prevent burnout: “I like the daily structure that working on a show can provide, but if I’m off a show, I like to keep busy with friends and hobbies. I like to play guitar, go hiking, get meals with friends and read poetry. I value my alone time, where I can decompress in bed while watching a show or reading a book.”

Pride in progress

To younger students who want to become stage managers, Helms offers this advice: “Don’t write off an opportunity you’re given or a class you’re required to take just because it’s not something that interests you. I learned something on every single show and in every single class I took at UNCSA, including liberal arts classes.” And most importantly: “Have hobbies and friends outside of stage management… the outside perspectives on life will make you a more rounded individual.”

“As a class, I’m really proud of the graduating stage managers for creating positive change within the Stage Management department.” - AJ Helms

Reflecting on their time at UNCSA, Helms says, “I am most proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying new things.” But they’re also proud of the collective work their class accomplished. “As a class, I’m really proud of the graduating stage managers for creating positive change within the Stage Management department.”

From their first school musical to a fellowship at the Met, Helms’ journey has been one of curiosity and adaptability — and they are now a stage manager who knows how to hold the chaos and keep the show moving forward.

By Melissa Upton-Julio

May 13, 2025