EDUCATIONAL SERIES

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 

Broadway Utica is heading to NYC on April 8th and there is room for you!

Broadway Utica’s Youth Ambassadors are making their way to the big apple. There is room on the bus for others to join as well.

If you are interested in spending the day in NYC on Wednesday, April 8th – we encourage you to come.

Tickets for this round trip, one day event is $75.00 per person and includes breakfast and light refreshments on the bus.

6:00AM – Bus leaves from the Riverside Mall near Tractor Supply

10:30AM – Arrives to Bryant Park around

7:00PM – Bus departs from Bryant Park

11:00PM – Return back to Riverside Mall

Spots are limited, call today for more information and reserve your spot.

315-624-9444

Broadway Utica’s Youth Ambassadors are hosting Karaoke and Trivia 

Broadway Utica Youth Ambassadors are Broadway Bound to New York City on April 8^th. The students will be spending the day in the city, along with seeing a live Broadway performance of Jagged Little Pill. The Youth Ambassadors are fundraising for this once in a lifetime experience by hosting a Broadway Themed Trivia and Karaoke night at Nola’s in Clinton. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 25^th from 5p-7p. The cost to attend is $5.00 and all proceeds benefit Broadway Utica’s Youth Program.

Raffles, door prizes, baskets and more will be available for purchase at Nola’s during the event.

Broadway Utica has 35+ high school juniors and seniors in the 2019-2020 class. The students are from 19 different school districts within the Tri-Valley area.

For more information on the Youth Ambassador Program please visit www.BroadwayUtica.org

In addition to the Trivia and Karaoke night, donations to the trip can be made by calling 315-624-9444.

Who: Broadway Utica Youth Ambassadors

What: Broadway Themed Karaoke and Trivia

Where: Nola’s in Clinton

When: Tuesday, January 25th from 5p-7p

Broadway Utica and Stanley Theatre announce donations are now being collected  for Spring Farm Cares at their Box Offices.

Broadway Utica and the Stanley Theatre are teaming up to collect donation for Spring Farm Cares from their wish list. Items in need can be found at www.SpringFarmCares.org. Broadway Utica is presenting CATS March 3^rd and 4^th at the Stanley Theatre and there is no better time to support Spring Farm Cares. Donations can be dropped off at the Broadway Utica’s Box Office or at the Stanley Theatre Box Office Monday through Friday during normal business hours. You will also be able to bring an item from their wish list on March 3^rd and 4^th at the CATS performance.

Spring Farm CARES is an Animal and Nature Sanctuary located in the scenic Mohawk Valley of Central New York. They are home to an average of 200 – 225 animals including horses, donkeys, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and poultry. They also have a Nature Sanctuary of over 250 acres of forest, wetland, and grassland with several miles of trails open by appointment and for tours.

Tickets to CATS can be purchased at: Broadway Utica – 258 Genesee St. Utica | www.BroadwayUtica.org | 315-624-9444

Theatre Etiquette 

At the Broadway Theatre League, our goal is to ensure that all of our guests have an enjoyable experience. A lot of work goes in to a production to create a seamless show. For this reason, it’s really important that we show respect to those involved in the production. Here are some quick tips to make sure your theatre etiquette is on point!

• Don’t arrive to the theatre late Now, we all know that traffic can get hectic, especially with this winter weather. So make sure to leave for the theatre early, setting aside some extra time just in case driving takes longer than expected. The house is open 30 minutes prior to the show. So please plan accordingly.
• Dress for the occasion Although there are no dress codes,  we encourage all to dress for the occasion.  Business casual is always appropriate.
• Shut off phones during performances We’re not just talking ‘no texting during performances’. Phones can also become a problem when the ringer goes off in the middle of a show. Don’t be that person! Silence or power off your phone prior to the start of the show.
• Do not talk during shows Okay, this one seems obvious, but you’d be surprised. Please remember that talking – even whispering – not only distracts those on stage, but also fellow audience members.
• No sing-alongs While an actor is onstage singing a song, this is not the time to show off the fact that you know the entire soundtrack word-for-word. Those onstage should be the only ones singing, unless they indicate in a specific song for the audience to sing or snap along.
• No crunching! Unwrap snacks or cough drops prior to the show. It is appreciated that any sort of crunchy snacks, such as pretzels and potato chips, are avoided during the performance.
• Take your trash out of the theatre with you Do not leave ticket stubs or wrappers on the ground. If you do not wish to keep your program, kindly return it to the ushers.
• Express gratitude  Applause is encouraged when necessary. The actors are working hard for your entertainment, show them your utmost appreciation!
• Enjoy the experience Not only the show itself, but the purchasing of the ticket, the time spent prior to the show, the beauty of the theatre and the memory that was made because you were there.