The hidden stars of a theatre production
Posted Mar 11, 2010 By Joan Sonnenburg.
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Tweet ThisEMC Entertainment - "What a great play!"
"Wasn't the acting superb?"
The usual comments of theatregoers who have just enjoyed a fine production. Be it drama, comedy, or farce, the actors get the accolades.
But behind the scenes a vast crew of men and women are responsible for a production. They seldom hear a word of praise, much less a round of applause. They are the production crew, the people who make it possible for the actors to be showcased.
"It is essential that the production crew is recognized and respected," says Earl Sonnenburg, set designer for the Studio Theatre's current production of 'Laura'. "If there's no production crew, there's no play." Sonnenburg has also been a producer, actor, and director, so he knows what he is talking about. Unfortunately, most people aren't aware of the invaluable contribution of the volunteers behind the scenes.
While actors rehearse, the production crew is working away at a million necessary tasks. There must be someone in charge of lighting, sound, props, wardrobe, hair and makeup design, set design, set construction, set dressing, and set painting. At the helm of the team is the producer, an essential overseer who ensures that each team leader submits a budget, and that the elements of the production are progressing without problem. And there are many helpers for each task, all building, painting, gathering, or sewing. For Laura, Studio Theatre was fortunate to have artist Rosemary Kralik volunteer to paint an actual portrait of the actress playing the lead role.
But beyond the stage, there is yet another team of volunteers working to make the production a success. Someone must design and execute the program, another must create a striking poster which then must be distributed, still another must take charge of tickets. Someone must be at the snack bar for those who want refreshment between acts, another must help people find a seat, still others take tickets and hand out programs. Without these volunteers, an audience would arrive to a dark theatre with none of these amenities. They would enter a cold auditorium to watch a group of actors perform in street clothes on a bare stage, with only overhead lights, no music, no sound effects. Most people would turn around and go home.
So the next time actors take that curtain call, and you show your appreciation by applauding, give an extra clap or two for those hardworking people behind the scenes. They are the hidden stars of the play.
You can show your appreciation for the cast and crew of Studio Theatre's upcoming production, Laura, March 18-21 and March 26-28. Look for the striking poster displayed in most stores around town.
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