Behind The Curtain

This last weekend I racked up 17 hours of work in our scene shop for the theatre department. I know that doesn't seem like a lot, but for someone who can only work 4 hours a week because of school, it is a great amount of hours. The scene shop is where we build the sets for the shows we put on here at ONU. We do everything from building the sets and painting them, to hanging and focusing the lights where they're needed on the light plots and running cables for sound. Basically anything besides costuming (they have their own shop) that is necessary for the shows to be ready to go on stage happen in the scene shop. We also set up and run any events that go on in the Freed Center, like Orange and Black Day, music events and lectures. 

I've worked in the scene shop for almost 2 years now and have learned so much about scenery and the technical aspects of theatre. I can confidently say that I know how to work most of the tools we have, which I didn't really think was possible. I'm kind of a master at handling a power drill now, subtle brag. In high school, I was never involved with the production team for our shows and was solely focused on performing. But now that I've been given numerous opportunities to be on the other side of theatre, I have discovered new passions and have learned how to do so many different kinds of crew positions. 

As a Theatre BA, we are given the choice to be more performance-based or production-based and are able to choose which path we'd rather go down. I've always been more interested in performing, but when I'm not cast I love to be involved with the shows in any way I can. I've assistant stage managed, been a fly operator and on wardrobe crew. I also have taken classes in arts administration, stage management, lighting and sound. There are numerous ways to be involved with the shows in our department, which is what makes me love being here! It's even encouraged for students to take on leadership roles as assistant directors, lighting or sound designers, costumers and stage managers. The opportunities are endless when it comes to theatre and I feel like a lot of people believe that if they're not cast in shows that it's the end all be all. However, it could be a chance for you to learn something new and discover a passion you didn't know you had in production. 

I love working in the scene shop and getting to help create little worlds for the actors to play around in. It brings me a certain joy I didn't know I wanted. My next goal if I don't get cast in the Spring shows next year is to assistant direct one of them or work on lighting. Those are two things I haven't done yet, but would absolutely love to get to do. Even though my main passion is to act and I'd rather do that over anything else, I love doing theatre in any and every way. So if the opportunity comes to work in tech, I'll seize it!