Larson Riccoboni, Arts and Tech Editor
@larsonrcourant
The theater productions here have always been known for their top notch performances, stellar acting, and extreme dedication to the theater craft. As the curtain goes up and the cast takes their bows, thunderous applause and accolades are given but the truth is, the show wouldn’t have been able to start without one other key group. The Tech and Crew department that manages all aspects of each production are the foundational structure holding each show together; from building and painting all the sets, to meticulously crafting props and costumes.
At the forefront of the operation is Senior Ellen Ma, the Stage Manager in the upcoming production of Little Mermaid. Ellen has worked on a number of productions here at the high school, as well as Saxe. “I’ve been doing crew since 6th grade,” Ellen said “and it’s a great opportunity to be involved, without actually being on stage.”
Ellen expresses that doing behind the scenes work is something that she’s always enjoyed. Some of the tasks that are under her management include editing and putting together the script, organizing callbacks, and writing out the blocking and stage direction for each cast member. “Stage management is a lot of work, but I worked my way up to this position,” she said. “My first show that I managed was Shrek, and as a sophomore it was really difficult.”
Ellen pointed out different sections of the auditorium and how various moving parts come into play. “The catwalk is where students control the lighting for the show,” she said. 40 feet above the seats of the auditorium is a nearly invisible structure where industrial-sized lights hang. Students in the crew that are assigned to lighting help control where the lights are directed on stage, as the colors and brightness are controlled in the back of the theater. “There’s a booth where other crew members and staff help with sound and lighting, controlling remotely.” Ellen said. As the actors on stage go through each scene, the Tech and Crew make sure each moment is timed to the second so that every show goes seamlessly.
The technical aspects of a show as large as The Little Mermaid are rehearsed numerous times before they can perform. Many hands help out behind the scenes, such as Freshman Amanda Aalto and Julia Sorensen, who are acting as assistant director and assistant stage manager respectively. Although Amanda is new to theater this year she says doing behind the scenes work has been a wonderful experience thus far. “Even though The Little Mermaid is on a larger scale and has more moving parts, it’s been a wonderful opportunity to build a larger community within our theater and make so many new connections.” Amanda said. Julia shares similar sentiments. “It’s nice how all 4 grades can work together; I was intimidated at first, but now I’ve made so many new friends as a result of doing crew and tech,” Julia said. Julia assists Ellen in making sure cast members enter and exit the stage on time, and organizing all the props.
Amanda described her role as assistant stage manager, saying “Julia and I are kind of at the frontlines of the show, and have the advantage of seeing the cast’s perspective while also helping out backstage. We serve as middlemen to the adults who help with the show, communicating any improvements or changes that need to be made along the way.” Amanda said.
Julia explained some of the standard technologies utilized within each show. “Each stage manager and many of the crew members have microphones and headsets, so cues and calls can be announced for everyone to hear.” Having an organized system is a crucial aspect to the tech and crew’s process. The stage managers and directors also work hand in hand with the crew, making sure key set pieces and props are moved on time and in the correct position on stage. In the weeks leading up to the show, cues, entrances and exits are reviewed with the cast – and the backstage crew makes any needed adjustments as they prepare for finalizing the show.
The director of the show, Corben Williams, provided added insight as an adult who sees the hard work of all the students. Mr. Williams explains that he has a great amount of admiration for the technical aspects of any given production. “It’s been really informative for me as an actor as well, because heavy is the head that wears the crown, but on top of that there’s just so much that goes on behind the scenes that a lot of people aren’t aware of.” he said. Mr. Williams brings out a point that is overlooked by many. The roles portrayed by the actors and cast is a feat in itself, but without the efforts by the Tech and Crew, much of the show would not be present. “We as the audience only see the 1%, we only get to see the finished product; we don’t see the work that goes into making this product to be delivered to the audience.”
Highlighting this point, Amanda expresses that participating backstage often does not get the spotlight it deserves. “It’s common for the cast to get the most recognition, but the tech and crew are sometimes overlooked.” she says. “But in the end, when you take a step back and see what you’ve been able to accomplish, it’s a really rewarding experience to be proud of.” See the upcoming show March 17th, 18th, and 19th.
Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/nchs-theater-35316727603 to purchase tickets.
