Chloe Rippe
Reporter
It’s that time of year again when actors of all grade levels break out their well-rehearsed singing voices for the debut of another theater production. While hundreds of eyes will be glued on the leading ladies and gents when showtime came for Beauty and the Beast, few will be able to see the efforts of the dedicated workers behind the scenes who make sure each performance runs flawlessly.
The crew of Beauty and the Beast has worked hard on this production, which may be considered one of the most complex shows they have ever done. “This show in particular is the most technically advanced show we’ve ever done,” senior Lizzy Emond, one of the three stage managers, said. “Personally, I do a ton of pre-work and try to get the cast and crew into the rhythm that’s vital for this show with moving sets, lighting, sound, etc.”
There is one “magical” aspect of this show in particular that makes it so technically advanced. “We are one of the first high schools flying– and it’s executed by students,” theater director Dee Alexander said. “That’s nearly unheard of.”
This challenge has only added to the high standards that the crew is in charge of living up to, which has been brought upon them thanks to their organization, efficiency and preparedness. Stage manager junior Avery Wrenn is very familiar with having such responsibility. “We are responsible for being on book, being ready to give lines if actors forget them, taking the staging of the actors and setting up a makeshift set when the set has not been fully built,” she said. “During the show, we make sure everyone gets on stage in time and that everyset piece makes it on without issues.”
In addition to stage manager, there are other positions such as lighting director, technical assistant and
costume design. Junior Rachel Mathis is the technical assistant for the show. “I help build and make everything organized on and off set, so most of my work comes before the show,” she said. “During the show there are very few technical things I have to do, but I have to make sure people know their lines and that they go to the right places at the right times.”
Junior Delaney Davidson also plays a role as the costume designer. “I’m in charge of all the costumes for the show,” she said. “Any quick changes that happen, I know about and organize them. Any rips or problems that happen during the show or after the show, I take care of them.”
Delaney also said she enjoys having her work noticed, especially with this performance. “One of the dresses I designed looks like it is covered in pie crust,” she said. “It goes around the whole skirt and it took me at least four hours to cover the whole thing. I always hope people see how much effort is put into these costumes. I want the audience to be wowed.”
While Rachel and Delaney’s roles take much time to perfect before showtime, senior Thomas Evan’s job as lighting director starts on the big night. “For the most part, my job doesn’t come into play until showtime,” he said. “Until then, it’s just planning the lighting, and then executing during the actual performances.”
And although the audience might not always notice the beauty of what the crew creates, the cast certainly appreciates their dedication. Junior Annie Ludtke, an actress in the musical, was quick to applaud the whole cast’s hard work. “[They] take the director’s vision and make it alive,” she said.
Overall, the whole cast is looking forward to opening night. “It’s going to be great to see the hard work pay off and come together,” Avery said.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP-HK-mMxK0
