SPOTLIGHT: Lexi Lodwig

Lexi Lodwig, Stage Manager Extraordinaire

By Jane Orme
 
Lexi Lodwig (Stage Manager) hails from Lost River and is delighted to return to The Merc for Once Upon Camelot. Her recent credits include serving as Stage Manager for James and the Giant Peach in 2024 and performing in The Merc’s production of The Nutcracker as the Sugar Plum Fairy in 2022. A versatile theater artist, Lexi is equally at home on stage as an actor, behind the scenes managing young actors, and creating costumes and set pieces to bring The Merc’s stories to life. Between rehearsals, I was thrilled to chat with Lexi about her experiences at The Merc. (We don’t have time to chat during rehearsals)
 
When did you land in the Methow Valley?
I have lived in the valley since 2017, grew up in a small valley town, moved to another small valley town, and now live in this small valley town – you could say I have a type.
 
What inspired you to get involved with The Merc?
Have you met Missi Smith? Being close friends with her puts me in proximity to The Merc. A few years ago, she wore me down, cast me in a play (The Nutcracker), and I haven’t looked back. I must confess that even on my own, I am a ham and have always loved the performing arts.
 
Describe your experiences as an actor in The Nutcracker and stage manager at The Merc. Differences/similarities?
Being in The Nutcracker was so much fun.. I enjoyed being part of a mixed cast of children and adults. However, stage managing, wrangling America’s youth, is a whole lot of enjoyment in its own right. When I’m stage managing, I have the freedom to be silly with the kids and give them confidence to find their little actor-selves. I really love their questions about the script and their lines — explaining to them why a joke is funny or why Jane and I laugh at some of their lines — and when they hear the explanation they feel like they are in on the joke – it's so cute to me.
 
What new skills or insights have you been learning through stage managing so far?
Mmm, probably patience. I am not a parent myself so it taps into a type of patience I am not used to. Also, I am just so impressed with the kids at each rehearsal, especially their ability to remember lines and each other's lines. They bounce back really quickly to what we call “notes” — children have low-egos at this stage in life, making them so easy to communicate with. It's something that I try to emulate in my own daily life. 
 
What advice would you give to someone who would like to volunteer backstage with 23 preteens and teens in a full production?
Always have HI-CHEW’s on hand, talk to them like they are adults, and get your “mean glare” down — they respond very well to the mean glare backstage.
 
What are your thoughts about community theater such as The Merc Playhouse?
I love community theater! I love how it brings us all together, whether you are in a play or you come to watch a play. It's very nice to have such a fun, intimate space in our tiny community, and The Merc’s programming variety gives everyone a chance to enjoy and participate.
 
Are you thinking about any future plans/ideas regarding The Merc?
Well, I am sure you will find me up on the stage at some point in the future, and I will never say no to Jane Orme directing a play in whatever capacity she needs me.
 
Anything else you’d like to share?
I am very excited about our upcoming play, Once Upon Camelot. It is HILARIOUS, and I can’t wait to see it come to life. It runs March 20-29. Besides loving this show, you will notice how quiet it is backstage–just doing my job!
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