More Than the Spotlight

Unknown theatre roles are taken on by AHS students with each production

When watching a stage show, the audience only sees the actors, but what about the set that brings the show to life, or the lights highlighting the actors? Musicals and plays aren’t possible with only the actors and actresses. The crew behind the scenes is who makes shows come to life.

“Crew” consists of many different teams that work together to put together shows. Sound, lights, props, set design, and hair and makeup. Those aren’t even all of them. Students at Anderson find being on the crew to be a unique and meaningful experience. 

“It’s  super fun, at times it can be a lot of work depending on what your role  is, but you make a lot of friends, and it’s a great opportunity,” Meg Durham (10), the Assistant Stage Manager for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, said

One of the most recognized roles on the crew is hair, makeup, and costumes. Shows wouldn’t be the same if the actors wore the same hoodie and hairstyle they show up to school in every day. The actors need to stand out on the stage, and that would not be possible without crew members in the dressing room backstage.

“I like to see how it all comes together in the end, because it can get really stressful, but once you finish your first show… it was all worth it,” Hailey Hannika (12), head costume designer for Anderson’s winter play and spring musical, said.

Besides the crew that is in the dressing room, there is also the crew behind you when you are watching the show, Sound and Lighting. Shows wouldn’t be the same without a big spotlight on the actors or funny sound effects to bring some comedic relief. 

“I make sounds, sound effects, and cues for the show,” Lucas Tibbs (11), head sound designer for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, said.

Students put in countless hours for every show they work on, displaying their creativity, whether it's the costumes on the actors or the sounds coming from the speakers. These hardworking students are not given enough credit for the work they put into these shows. Next time, don’t only congratulate the students on stage, but also congratulate the hardworking students behind the scenes.