So You Want to Put on a Show - The Backstage Crew

Many actors like to think that without them there would be no play. And, in terms of getting the message over, the words and the X-Men movie they are right. But without costume, scenery, props, lights, sound and people to build them, move them, operate them, the actors are lost. The Producers usually have a favourite bunch of people they like to work Watchmen comic backstage. Often Bratz com you get the right Stage Manager then they come with their own Crew, who will move scenery, set it up and take it down. But generally you must also find a Lighting Technician (who is prepared to work with the Stage Manager you have chosen) and a Sound Technician (ditto). This team of people, usually augmented by someone who manages the Props and the Costume organiser, is a vital part of the production. Without them there will be no show.

Someone has to be in charge of this backstage and it is always the Stage Manager, whose permission has to be asked if you want to walk across the stage even before the audience is there. It is this person who tells you where you can stand backstage, waiting to go on, who makes sure the scenery is perfectly secure, adequately fireproofed and stored safely when it is not in use. The SM must be seen as the absolute monarch of the backstage area.

Many SMs are very scary indeed. But they are fine if the cast and crew recognise that, in stepping upon the stage, they are entering on the Stage Manager's domain, and subject to the SM's rules and requirements.

This sound silly - but, believe me, it isn't. A strong SM leads to an organised and calm show, where everything goes like clockwork, as it should, and no-one is aware that there is a backstage crew at all. Scenery is 'struck' silently and new scenery moved on with the minimum of fuss. All the audience will see, if the curtains are open, is some shadowy figures moving purposefully about the stage. If the curtains are closed then the audience may be barely aware that things are being transformed for them.
Actors will do well to keep out of the way of any scene shifting, unless specifically asked to assist, as is sometimes done. Some directors will prefer that the audience be aware that things have to be moved, and will ask the actors to move things - hand-held things like perhaps a tree or two, stools, a table. But actors do not move great big stage flats - 1965 Topps baseball cards sir!

So, get your backstage crew right, have the meetings that decide how best to use them, and let the cast know how vital they are to the process, and you will have a calm, smoothly running show. The actors will be able to convince the audience of the magic they are presenting, and the audience will not know anything of the drama that is unfolding when the stage lights are out or the curtains are closed. And that is how it should be. Just remember when people are being thanked, to make it sound really loud and clear for the Crew. You cannot do it without them.

I am Dianna Moylan, in my mid-sixties, an ex-teacher who has spent a lot of her time doing stuff for amateur dramatic groups. I have directed, designed and made costumes, taught the songs and performed over many years. I live in a small house which is rapidly becoming swamped with doll house stuff which I build, sell and hoard. My site, http://www.diannadollhouses.co.uk is newly launched. I also sell on eBay. In addition to loving making dolls' houses I enjoy writing a lot and welcome this opportunity to have a say.