Visual History with Debbie Williams
Interviewed by:Jerri Churchill
Born in Columbus, Ohio to professional ice skaters, Debbie Williams grew up in showbiz as a performer. During her childhood, she learned how to ice skate and became a part of the family act. After a childhood spent on the road, she connected with choreographer Robert Paul who helped her work on the variety show Donny & Marie in Los Angeles, California. Although she performed as an ice skater, she became fascinated with the production of the show and transitioned to behind the scenes work as a producer on Casey Kasem’s America’s Top 10. She began to stage manage on the weekends, finding it a more natural fit. After continuing to learn and gain more experience with game shows like Supermarket Sweep and Maximum Drive, she moved over to stage managing Variety series and specials.
Over her almost 40-year career, Williams has worked on countless awards shows, variety programs, TV specials, game shows, and reality series including the Soul Train Music Awards, The Oscars, The Golden Globe Awards, The Academy of Country Music Awards, The Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, American Idol, ER, Fail Safe, The West Wing, Motown 30: What’s Goin’ On, The Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, and Sammy Davis Jr.’s 60th Anniversary Celebration.
Williams has been a member of the Guild since 1980.
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Highlights


On Stage Managing Live TV
Stage Manager Debbie Williams talks about the tricky process of setting up cues while preparing a live episode of one-hour drama ER.
Debbie Williams / On Stage Managing Live TV
Stage Manager Debbie Williams talks about the tricky process of setting up cues while preparing a live episode of one-hour drama ER.


On Her Approach
Williams approaches stage managing like choreography, drawing upon her background as a performer.
Debbie Williams / On Her Approach
Williams approaches stage managing like choreography, drawing upon her background as a performer.


On the Essential Qualities of a Stage Manager
Williams shares the essential qualities of being a stage manager, which include leadership skills and having tough skin.
Debbie Williams / On the Essential Qualities of a Stage Manager
Williams shares the essential qualities of being a stage manager, which include leadership skills and having tough skin.