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Behind the scenes: crew prepares for all-school musical

By Taylor Wouters ’15 | Staff Writer

As the actors rehearse their lines, the backstage crew works to make sure the curtain rises in time for opening night of “Will Rogers Follies.”

Having been involved in stage crew since eighth grade, Eva Doherty ’15 is preparing for her third show as a stage manager.

Photo courtesy of Eva Doutery '15 Dougtery and Abbey Schuetze working crew for "Will Rogers Follies". This is Dougtery's fourth year as a crew member and first year as
Photo courtesy of Eva Doutery ’15
Doherty (left) and Abbey Schuetze ’17 (right) work crew for “Will Rogers Follies”. This is Dougtery’s third production as a stage manager.

“My favorite part of being on crew is watching the shows come to life after months of hard work,” said Doherty. “It’s breathtaking to go from lines on a page to a living show that inspires audiences.”

This year, Nate Turner ’14 said he will be participating in his second production as a crew member.

“I am the student director of the show and also call the flies,” said Turner.

Being on crew also makes for meeting new people who have similar interests, Turner said.

“The friends I have made and the conversations I have with other crew members are a completely different feeling than when I have been on stage as an actor,” said Turner.

Since they are behind the curtain, the crew members aren’t seen by much of the audience, said Doherty.

“Crew isn’t there to be praised and glorified, we run the show from behind the scenes because that’s what we love to do,” said Doherty. “Crew holds the show together running the lights, sound, sets, props, costumes, curtains, and making sure it all happens correctly.”

Photo courtesy of Eva Doherty '15 Nate Turner '14 tries on wardrobe for "Will Rogers Folllies" while working crew for the musical.
Photo courtesy of Eva Doherty ’15
Nate Turner ’14 tries on wardrobe for “Will Rogers Folllies” while working crew for the musical.

Although it is what they love to do, both Doherty and Turner agree that working crew is difficult work.

“The most difficult part of my job is following the orchestra and script at the same time to ensure that the set is being shifted at the exact time,” said Turner.

Along with that, Doherty said it is difficult to be in charge of others while being their friend, too.

“The most difficult part of crew is having to be the person always quieting others and running around trying to get everyone ready in order to start the show on time,” said Doherty. “Not everyone understands that it’s my job.”

The stage crew also tends to be the last ones out the door at night, Turner said.

“The crew (are) the first ones in the building and the lasts ones out,” said Turner. “We very rarely have down time, whether it is taking attendance, writing cues, or rehearsing set or prop movements, we always have work to do.”

The crew has done a great job this year, drama director Meaghan Dunham said.

“It’s tough because we ask a lot of them in a very short period of time, so they have to be very committed,” said Dunham. “They don’t get a lot of glory, but they work really hard and have to be very dedicated.”

Due to all the crew’s hard work, Claire Rundquist ’14 said the show is able to run smoothly.

“Without all of the help we get from the crew the shows wouldn’t be possible,” Rundquist said. “They work just as hard, if not harder than the people actually on stage performing.”

The actors and crew will be running the show May 1-3 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at North’s Performing Arts Center.

[info]For more information on South’s production of “Will Rogers Follies”, as well as performance times and ticketing, click here.[/info]

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