A final reflection of Techies and my Capstone experience...

Having hobbies and interests are part of life. They keep life interesting, and make people unique. For some people, hobbies are more than just a pastime. They’re a reason to live, a guiding way of life. For me, that hobby is stage crew. I have so much love and passion in my heart for stage crew, and that led to me joining my Capstone class. Being in Capstone has allowed me to expand my understanding of crew, and my role inside of it. I’ve been on a journey, a journey that focused on interest and learning about my passion, as well as about myself.

I knew from the beginning I wanted my project to be focused on stage crew. I had also always had the idea of video format in the back of my mind, something where I can record and edit footage. The name “Techies” has been around from the beginning as well. I was dead-set on the name, I found it perfect and genius for my intended project (and it was!). I had initially wanted to create a podcast entitled Techies, where I’d have a different guest on for each episode (someone from crew) and I’d interview them about their role on crew, as well as about their personal lives. My intention was to introduce audiences to the students behind the school musicals, and show off the personalities of these kids. I had realized that there would be a lot of work in store for that route- finding guests, longer scripts, having to find a set, etc. I also knew there wouldn’t be enough time for every student to have their own episode, and I didn’t want anyone to feel left out. Through that thought process, I was able to come up with an idea that quashed all of those problems, thus, the “Techies” we know today was born. 

Great, I have a clear idea! Now what? Well, to start, I thought writing episodes would be a lot easier than it was. It took a lot of time for me to really think about the content going into my show. I wrote many different scripts, and tried each one out in my head. I struggled finding a balance between too much information to the point where it was overwhelming/confusing for audiences and not enough information/explanation. I, obviously, knew what I was teaching, so it made sense when I read what I had written. However, it might not make as much sense to those with less prior background knowledge to me, and that was also something I had to take into account. After a few weeks of writing and deleting and filming, I had finally found an episode layout that worked for me. Writing, filming, and editing the four episodes after the first became much easier once I found out what worked for me and what didn’t. 

My favorite part or aspect of Techies was the creation, specifically gathering footage. Part of the reason I created Techies was to display our bond to others, to show how close we really are backstage. Stage crew is a beloved community to those who are involved, and holds a lot of meaning to our lives. We’re not just kids who work together, we’re genuinely a family together. When it came time for me to gather my footage for Techies, I spent a lot of time backstage and around the auditorium where I’d basically distract and chat with everyone. I felt so much pride in those moments, where I’d capture footage of raw friendship, bonds that were created on the stage I fell in love with. It reminded me of my beginning on crew, and how far I’ve grown in those few years. It was really amazing to see students who all came together due to a shared passion, and created the best show they could’ve. I’m so proud of our crew each and every year, and I’m so proud I was able to have Techies revolve around such an amazing crew. 

Techies was the best way I could’ve left a mark on my school and secure my legacy. I used my years of experience to create a show that shares what I’ve learned with others, so knowledge about stage crew is able to be available and shared. I also created a time capsule in those episodes, of lifelong memories and meaningful friendships between the talented and passionate students here at JD.  

Written by Alyssa Forgione, Class of 2025