Backstage. That dark, hectic, amazing place where so much of the invisible work happens in order to create the magic the audience sees on stage.
What would happen if a performer came on stage with only half of their costume? Or the performers sang into the darkness because there was no light? Or a performer opened a box expecting a prop to be inside…only it wasn’t?
And in that moment, the show loses some of its magic.
If you want to get some training to become BACKSTAGE CREW and TECHNICAL OFFICERS, here are some links to FEE FREE courses Semester 2, 2023.
NEWCASTLE
If you already have the above qualification, or a lot of industry experience, then you might like to consider the following:
The backstage crew members are the heroes who make sure that nothing like that happens. In short, backstage crew members are responsible for making sure that all the design elements (including lights, sound, scenery, props, costume, hair, and make-up) run smoothly during performances.
There are a lot of different jobs that you can do backstage. You may run the light board, or a dresser helping actors change costumes backstage. You might watch over the props table, ensuring that all props are exactly where they are supposed to be at all times. Or you may run the sound board, hitting every sound cue precisely on time. You may even be responsible for moving scenery on and off stage as the scenes change.
A lot of the success of a production hinges on having amazing backstage crew members. If you want to excel at your job, here are 10 things to keep in mind.
What makes an awesome backstage crew member, let’s take a moment and shine a light on what important jobs are done by techies.
1. Check your calendar!
Your stage manager will provide you with a production calendar that includes exactly when and where you are supposed to be. Check it often. And then check it again. Make sure you are crystal clear on exactly when you are supposed to be at the theatre.
2. Be on time!
Your stage manager will put a lot of work into planning out exactly how long everything will take in order for the show to be ready to go. If you show up late, you risk delaying the entire process. Being an awesome backstage crew member means that you are always on time.
3. Wear blacks!
Just like it sounds, wearing blacks means everything on your body is black – your shirt (long-sleeved), your pants, your belt, your socks, your shoes (which should be closed-toe and non-reflective)….even your hair tie. And by black, we mean black. No logos, no stripes, no designs…nothing. Just black.
Why wear blacks? Wearing black helps you disappear into the darkness backstage. It makes it difficult for the audience members to see you as you move about doing your work. This helps keep the illusion alive.
4. Be nice!
The simple act of smiling, speaking respectfully, and cheerfully doing any job that is assigned to you will go a long way in creating an environment backstage that everyone enjoys being in. It’s also the quickest way of securing another job.
5. Always be alert!
One of the exciting parts of live theatre is that you never know what might happen! A seam in a costume might rip, a light might burn out, a prop might break. You need to be on your toes and ready to help fix any problem that might arise.
6. Listen to your Stage Manager!
The stage manager has the enormous task of making sure that everything runs exactly the way the director has imagined the show will run.
The stage manager will have a big picture view of everything that is happening on and off stage. When she gives you a task, or a correction, or a suggestion, do it.
7. Don’t touch!
Everything that lives backstage – costumes, props, set pieces, wigs, etc. – has an assigned spaced. Therefore it’s super important that you only touch the things over which you have been assigned.
8. Keep it clean!
Working backstage can involve some long hours. It’s common for people working backstage to have stuff with them to do on their breaks. Just make sure that you keep it clean and tidy. And, at the end of the night, make sure that you clean up and organize the space you are working in.
9. Put away your phone!
In real life, phones are awesome. Backstage, phones are a nightmare. Not only can the glow of the screen break a magical moment for the audience, but they can distract crew members from meeting their cues (i.e. doing their work on time). The easiest way to keep this rule is to remove all temptations – keep your phone in your backpack or in your locker so that you never feel the pull to take it out of your pocket.
10. Be respectful!
Everyone – and everything – in the production has a job to do. Make sure you respect the work and obligations of other people (both on and off stage), the space that you are in, and all the elements that are working together to create an amazing performance.