Here are some reviews for my book which have started to trickle in as folks read and comment. I have also had some wonderful private messages from friends and former colleagues, which have been salve to the anxiety of waiting for feedback. Thank you for reading and commenting. If you don’t have the book yet and want a copy, please hit me up. Details are in the press release post from about two weeks ago. These reviews appeared on Amazon.
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read for Theater Workers, Educators, & EVERYONE!
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2025
This book is not only fun and emotionally fulfilling to read, it offers great and practical advice for anyone working in the theater, anyone who is a teacher, anyone who needs a little help walking down this bumpy road called life. Els has had a gloried career as a Stage Manager for some of the most important theaters and production in America (as well as Europe – she worked with Robert Wilson! – may he rest in peace). I personally had the JOY of working with Els on many plays and musicals in Los Angeles. She was the most professional, kind, wise, nurturing Stage Manager anyone could ask for. Els writes from lived experience working with some of the greats of the theater. She shares not only the glories of her career, but also the darker times – she is very brave. Els also gives amazing insight into the role of being a theater instructor and Department Head – if you work in a university setting, you will want to read the book just for her insights. I know that I’ve bookmarked several pages already so I’ll know where to look when student/teacher issues come up. The book also covers the beautiful love story of Els and her husband, a great actor, and how she has learned to deal with his passing and also other challenges in her life. Read this book, it’s like being embraced in the arms of the kindest, wisest friend you will ever have
5.0 out of 5 stars A “must read”
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2025
This is a magnificent book for anybody who loves, or wants to be in, the theater. Elsbeth has such a beautiful way of conveying her joy of the theater, and her joy at being a teacher to students. It is also a very personal telling of tragedies, and how she managed to get through them. Everyone who has ever suffered a loss can learn something from this book. I highly recommend it.
5.0 out of 5 stars A truly wonderful book
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2025
Beautifully written with honesty, humor and wit. It’s a must read for anyone who loves theater.
I’m back from Washington, D.C. What a beautiful city it is – so lush and green right now. Also the humidity was waning in the last few days. We had a few more wonderful days on the golf course as a result.
I got my book on the memoir shelf at Politics and Prose only a few down from Bill Clinton’s new book, Citizen. That was exciting.
I also got to see my great PQ Graduate program friend, Allison and her husband Rob at Old Town Alexandria, where we met for brunch at the Cafe Du Soleil, and then strolled around the colonial town ending at the Torpedo Factory, where I was able to buy a few baubles. I can show you mine, but need to keep the other under wraps until the end of the month to avoid a spoiler alert for my great niece Maddy. Allison and I have shared monthly zoom meetings over the last five years! with our leader, Nan Reed Twiss. We have talked through how to navigate issues and have just had some good laughs along the way.
Recently I was asked a series of questions by someone who had offered to help me in promoting my book. I’ve listed them below.
Reader’s Questions:
1. What helped you stay calm and centered during high-pressure moments backstage?
“Was there a routine or mindset that helped you manage the chaos?”
I would say the Positive Intelligence framework of Shirzad Chamine has been the most helpful in remaining calm and centered. There are many techniques to utilize to remain focused when you have been hijacked emotionally by something someone else has said or done. Remember that you don’t need to respond right away. Take a minute to take a few deep breaths, or listen to sounds around you. People are understanding when you request a few minutes or hours to think something through so you don’t jump into a situation that will prove unhealthy for you.
2. You’ve worked with so many different personalities—what’s one lesson you’ve learned about human nature?
“Is there a moment that really brought that lesson home for you?”
I think the most powerful thing I have learned about human nature, especially from people with different lived experiences than mine is that very often what someone is presenting emotionally to you is the result of a bad experience they’ve had. The PQ training trains your brain to look for “the gift” in something bad that has happened. I think stage managers do that anyway and are always looking to improve a situation. In my life, when I got cancer, I used the treatment phase to relish the friends who came to help me and realized how fortunate I was to have them on my side. It has made me want to be there for other people.
3. How do you personally find the “next words” when a conversation gets hard or emotional?
“Do you pause, write, reflect—what works for you?”
I try to listen harder when a conversation gets hard or emotional and not to be triggered by what my immediate reaction might be – hurt or taking things personally. Most of the time, things aren’t personal and if I keep that in mind, I can breathe through the emotions and see what helpful response I might have.
4. You talk a lot about quiet voices having power—can you share a moment when being quiet was actually the strongest thing you could do?
“How did that shape how you lead or communicate today?”
Hearing other voices in a collaborative situation is critical to team members feeling included and engaged in the process. It’s a good practice in a small group, anyway, to try to have everyone speak. Sometimes the quietest person in the room has the best idea but they are too shy to say it. You have to create a space that welcomes participation. It’s hard to do but key to success.
5. What would you tell someone who feels invisible or unheard, especially in today’s noisy world?
“How do they start finding their voice?”
Today’s world is incredibly noisy for sure and intentionally exclusive to many voices. I think asking yourself what you really think about what’s happening and practicing your voice with individual friends or small groups is a good start. Also, actions can be more impactful than words. Making a sign and walking in a protest is liberating and empowering. You get to see others who are using their voices and can practice using yours. I’m a strong believer in good works. I volunteer a few times a week at the LA Regional food bank. It’s a great place to meet people who are in all different phases of life and to find out what they are thinking about.
lifeinthethe8tre 
Els, I’ve taken to visiting book stores and ordering your book under pseudonyms. They’ll just put on the shelf if the person they try to reach doesn’t pick up… I learned that from a friend whose sister wrote poetry books. I’m so excited for you and this adventure. Love, Amy (Seattle is known for bookstores)
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Love this! Thank you, Amy!Xo,Els