Andrew Johnston
From right, Seth Strong, Ella Miller and Jaylen Hale in the booth controlling lights and sound for a show.
When you watch a Bear River Community Theater show, you see all the actors, musicians and dancers on stage.
But other than the people on the stage, the Tech Crew makes all the magic come alive. Without the Tech Theater Program at Bear River High, not a single show would be possible. Production is a class led by Mike DeCicco and assisted by Ted Granier the Theater Manager. Some of the work is done before the curtain ever comes up, such as set building, and some happens when the Stage Manager sets the night in motion during a performance.
Backstage crew is one of the main jobs, and a huge importance to a show's success. Junior James Wood, an experienced backstage crew member, said there is always something happening during a performance..
“Backstage crew usually moves props, does quick changes, and makes sure everything is in its right place,” he said.
An important figure that helps keep the backstage area safe and organized during performances is the Backstage Manager, such as senior Mmason Block..
“I manage all the backstage crew, telling them what they need to do, when they need to do it, and how fast they need it done for the success of the show,” Block said. “The backstage manager is the assistant manager of sorts, they help the stage manager keep the rest of the show going smoothly. The stage manager is one of the most important roles, they communicate with the backstage manager and other crew in the show to ensure the show goes smoothly.”
Junior Ella Miller has been the head Stage Manager for two years.. “I’m the main communication pathway which means everything that goes through me,” Miller said. “I work with the drama teacher, dance teacher, and the other teachers that I’m doing a show for. At a show, I’m usually located in the booth managing light and sound with the Tech Director, making sure the sound and lights go smoothly.”
Tech Theater can sound like a lot of work, which it is, but through that commitment you will find a huge amount of pride in what you are creating.
The Tech Theater program has found this fun to do and is a passion for many of the students.
“If you come to a production at Bear River, everything you see happening is done by students,” DeCicco said. “It’s just this really cool opportunity for them to work in a professional theater environment. Everything you see on stage is 100 percent controlled by students.”