Mahi Aneja
Being a part of the crew backstage for the SHS production of “Seussical the Musical” l was simply an exhilarating experience. Behind that curtain lay buckets of paint, costumes being stitched up, an immediate transition of sets, taping up of microphones, managing sound and lighting, and staff members running around to ensure the greatest result possible for the cast and the audience.
The actors ran the entire show repeatedly until they nearly dropped dead from exhaustion. They put in their all in each run-through. Effortlessly singing while dancing across the stage is not an easy task whatsoever. It is a mystery how these actors never fail to put in such energy every single time after a tiring day of school and assignments. Memorizing lines, setting up props backstage, singing warm-ups, and dancers stretching are the activities one sees these actors doing offstage before it is time to perform.
The beautifully painted sets and the crafty props were made by the artistic students and teachers in the stage crew. These crews worked on painting the eye-catching backdrop of the musical along with the other props that slid in and out as the scenes progressed. The stage crew was behind the smooth transitions that went on in this production. They would sit behind the curtain, marking notes on the script on where and when to execute what prop. When the time came, one individual would be responsible for holding the curtain open while the other carefully and rapidly put out the prop. In this process, they were permitted to pay close attention at all times to successfully be present for their cues. They would arrive at every run-through and patiently wait for their cues. The art and stage crew collectively made the production and presentation come together. They worked days upon days to build the amusing sights of this wonderfully colorful play.
The sound and light crews were the brains and buttons behind this production. The crew would start off by taping up microphones on the actors and conducting microphone checks before it was time for action. They did not have much time to practice before showtime, yet they still picked it up quicker than expected. They had pulled it off with barely any technical difficulties and were one of the reasons why the show progressed smoothly on all four nights.
Upon reflection of this overall experience of being on the crew, watching these actors from behind that curtain felt particularly special and extraordinary as I saw it all come together. The talent and hard work brought a tear to the eye and from the moment the curtain opened on the first night of the show, to when the curtain closed after the final performance, I can honestly say that all of the hard work was worth it. It was a truly rewarding and eye opening experience.