Are you a behind-the-scenes kind of person? Do you love live theatre and want to support live theatre but would never set foot in front of a live audience? Can you paint, build, wire, hang, lift, carry, shop, sew, point, or click? Then we have a place for you backstage!
Set Construction
Part of the magic of the theatre involves taking the audience to another place, whether real or fictional. And one of the main ways to do that is to build a set that looks like that place. The good news is, you don’t need to know how to do magic to make magic. Truvy’s Beauty Parlor in Steel Magnolias, like almost all sets, was a combination of plywood and 2×4’s that had been cut, fastened together, and painted. Then there’s that screen door that kept falling in On Golden Pond, but that’s another story…
Props and Set Decoration
In order for Hamlet to kill Polonius, who is hiding in Gertrude’s chamber, Hamlet needs a sword and the chamber needs a hanging tapestry. If you have a knack for finding unique “stuff” – especially inexpensive, unique “stuff” – then your place could be working with props. If you have an eye for interior design AND a knack for finding inexpensive, unique “stuff”, then maybe you should give set decoration a try.
Costumes
The Cowardly Lion needs a tail and Norman Thayer, Jr. needs several ugly fishing hats. And would it really be Charlie Brown if he didn’t have a black zigzag across his yellow shirt? Some costumes need to be made, but most of them just need to be acquired. Here again, a talent for trolling thrift stores and yard sales can go a long way when making live theatre magic.
Stage Management & Run Crew
Are you good at telling people where to go? Your leadership skills could be put to use as a Stage Manager. You’d be the one in charge backstage during performances. You’d make sure props and people were where they needed to be, when they needed to be there. You’d be the liaison between the front and back of house. You’d get to wear all black, all the time.
Does wearing that much black intrigue you, but you’d rather not be the one in charge? The Run Crew (also lovingly known as “minions”) is vital to keeping the magic running smoothly. During performances, you’d be making prop and set changes, helping cast members with their costumes, and doing any and all running that needs to be done.
Lights and Sound
Cords and speakers and lights, Oh My! From the moonlight in A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the gunshot at the end of Hedda Gabler, lights and sound play an integral role in live theatre. And that takes people who aren’t afraid of heights to stand on ladders and hang the lights and speakers, people who understand electrical wiring to run the cords, and people who either already know, or can learn, how to operate sound boards, light boards, and laptops. This is one place where geeks THRIVE.
If any of these areas sound like something you’re interested in, subscribe to our e-list and let us know. Places, Everyone ~ We’ll find a place for you!
