Backstage Magic and all that Happens Behind the Scene’s
When people go see a show they always talk about how spectacular the actors were on stage. However, there is one key element in the production of a show that many people often overlook. That key element is the stage crew, orchestra players, sound, lighting, and set workers. In order for the actors to have a smooth clean show with no mishaps, they need all those people to help achieve that. Here is a little bit about each of those roles:
● Stage crew members work behind the scenes moving set pieces, helping with mic changes, help the actors with quick changes, changing backdrops, and opening and closing the curtain on cue.
● Obviously a show would not be complete without the music, the orchestra brings a show to life with the music they play. Once the curtain goes up on a show, the director or stage manager has no control over what will or will not happen. They leave their trust in the orchestra conductor. They trust that the conductor will notice if something is off and hope they will extend the scene change music or possibly even a song if an actor misses or skips a line.
● Working sound and lighting for a show is easily one of the hardest positions. They must know and understand how to operate a soundboard. Not only that, they need to know how to use a spotlight and arrange the lighting to change on specific cues. They are also incharge of the microphones that the actors use on stage. This is one of the most challenging parts of working sound. If an actors mic stops working during a show than a sound crew member tries their hardest to get that mic changed or fixed during a scene change. They also must make sure that the actors’ mics are on at the appropriate time.
● Set workers are the people that create their outstanding sets and backdrops for a show. A show would definitely not be complete without making the audience feel as if they are truly in the location the show takes place in. Building a set can be extremely challenging. A set builder must work with the stage space they are given, they must understand how to properly build a set so it does not fall to break easily, and finally, they try their best to incorporate the director’s vision for how they want the set to be. The set builders bring a director’s vision to life.
As you can see, there is so much more to a musical than just the actors on stage. Although the actors on stage are a crucial part of the show, they are just as equal to the people working behind the scenes to deliver a flawless production to the audience.
Jennifer Salie
2019-2020 Youth Ambassador
