The first people that come to mind when thinking about theatre are the characters or the actors. However, three Central students have proven that without the background tech crew, the show would not go on.
Juniors Brooke Stauffer, Nick Bible, and Katie Richards packed up their production portfolios to travel to the Missouri State Thespian Conference where they would interview for an all-state tech crew position.
The portfolio and interview were not easy projects, but the hard work these thespians put into “The Diviners,” the production that got the cast and crew to all state, helped pave their way to success.
“In my interview I presented a portfolio of everything that I’ve ever done in theatre as well as exhibiting my leadership skills,” Bible said.
Prior to making the state show, “Violet,” each member of this tech power trio has worked on school productions dating back to their freshman year.
“I started doing technical work behind the scenes from the very start, freshman year, and I’ve loved it ever since,” Stauffer said.
Not only do these young thespians get the chance to learn more about theatre, but the program they have gained a part of will give their college resumes a boost.
“This looks really good to colleges and will be so educational for my future theatre experiences,” Richards said. “The tech director’s plan is to not only round us out in the theatre but also to help us become better leaders and critical thinkers.”
After interviewing, Bible secured the job of Technical Director and Scenic Designer, the highest ranking technical position. Richards procured the second highest position, Production Manager, and Stauffer acquired the position of head of Set Crew.
“The production team list was announced at ITS state conference in front of about 1300 other thespians, so it was a very new and interesting experience for me,” Bible said.
Now, what exactly do these three do for their respective jobs? As Scenic Designer, Bible combines many factors about a production to create a fitting set, and as Technical Director he oversees all technical aspects of the production.
As Production Manager, Richards acts as stage manager keeping everyone on schedule and making sure the production goes smoothly. Finally, as head of Set Crew, Stauffer constructs and paints the set that the actors use as a stage during the production.
Even after the spotlights turn out and the sawdust settles, these thespians enjoy the thrilling feeling they get when a show they have constructed comes together at last.
“In the beginning it’s hard to think that the mess in your mind will one day be a gorgeous and elaborate show, but it always turns out well,” Richards said.
