The Lancer Theatre Company works tirelessly to produce the play “The Bad Seed” for Manchester High School. The production started about three months ago. The process to create the play is a long one; everybody has to work hard to get it done. The people who work the hardest behind the scenes are the crew. They are the ones who make the play possible by making the set, props, lighting, and audio. They all work vigorously to make sure everything is ready for rehearsals and performances.
Being a part of the LTC allows students many opportunities: making new friends, learning how to produce a full length show, and keeping students busy after school. Working on different plays or musicals allows people to build lifelong friendships while also developing new skills.
Being a part of the crew or cast is also a big time commitment. Students stay after school for long periods of time to get everything done by their deadlines. The crew sometimes makes purchases from stores, like Walmart or Spirit Halloween, to make the costumes and props.
The lighting crew has to physically install and operate different lighting fixtures to create effects. A designer has to create the lightning plot, which outlines where different lights should be where and when. They program cues into the lighting console to match the production’s needs and operate the equipment during the show.
The audio crew has to manage microphones and know which ones to turn off and when. They also manage sound effects and the mix of the soundboard. The sound plot details speaker placement, volume levels, and different sound effects. The audio crew operates the sound board during the show, it allows them to control microphones, and play different sound effects and audios.
The prop team has to make all of the props used in the show. They do this by either buying them or by making them by hand. It is a long process to do this, all coming to an agreement on how to make something. They use a great deal of hot glue and paint to make sure everything is secure and doesn’t break.
The costumes crew makes all of the costumes worn by the actors during the show. They take measurements to make sure the costumes will fit the actors. Most of the time, they make the costumes by hand. This can be difficult because they have to make sure everything is perfect so it doesn’t break during the show.
The set crew creates the set. If the set needs to move during the performance, the crew makes sure it works correctly. Team work is needed to get things done.
Performances are a team effort, but the leaders carry a lot of the responsibility. They overlook everything while also working on their own respective things. It takes leadership skills to make sure that their teams are getting things done well, done on time, and getting along. Everyone works together in order to make the play the best play possible; but the crew is the glue that helps make the performance exceptional.
