Technical Theatre

For the remainder of the month we got together three times a week to write, rehearse and iron out details of the show. That was one of the most stress filled, exciting months of my life. On one hand the pressure of the show gave us motivation to make more progress in music that i feel like i ever had in my entire life, but on the other hand that creeping feeling that we weren't going to be prepared enough by the time the show rolled around was just as constant. After weeks of stress filled practices and promoting the show to our friends and family, and around town, the night was finally

It was amazing to see how all of the children came together to perform this show. They all have unique talents such as the ability to sing or play a musical instrument. When talking about one of the boys, the teacher said that if he was not autistic, just imagine the possibilities he could have. However, this boy still has so many possibilities ahead of him. Just because he is different, it does not mean that he cannot achieve greatness. One thing I learned from the children was that they really just want someone to listen to them and to be present on their level. This was shown through Neal’s comment towards his mother about wanting her to listen to him more. Just because he could not communicate, did not mean he did not have interests or preferences that he wanted her to know about. By being present with them at the level they are at, shows the children that we care about the things they care about and it is a way

At the end of the story everyone clapped, and I clapped, although I did not know what happened. Then, the musicians asked for questions and feedback from the audience. I felt like I wanted to raise my hand and say something just so I could feel a part of the event, but I really did not have anything to ask or say. But, on my way out, I did tell the Hamsaa hostess that I had a great time, and the music was beautiful. She shook my hand, and said thank

At the age of eight, my mother took me on a trip to New York City. On it, I saw the Lin Manuel-Miranda show In the Heights. Unlike my eight-year-old self, my mother loved performing arts, and she occasionally played CD’s from musicals in the car, which I groaned about. Given this, it is not hard to imagine I was less excited than the average person to see a broadway show; however, when my mother mentioned, “Chad from High School Musical is in it,” I perked up. As I walked into the theatre, my attitude improved again from the astonishingly vast house, filled with endless rows of red, velvet chairs leading towards an expansive stage trimmed with gold. Nevertheless, I still did not appreciate the opportunity to witness a Tony Award-winning musical, as I would in three hours. When the lights dimmed, the whole theatre fell silent, yet still buzzed with anticipation.

For the production of York Dance Ensembles ‘SPACE|TIME|LINE’, my position as a crew member was the sound operator. My duties and responsibilities was to take the music required and set it in order of the show. In addition, the sound operator must set levels for each song to ensure the music was suitable for the audience, as well as the dancers on stage. Other everyday duties were to ensure the speakers, god microphone, and headsets all worked properly before each run of the show. Most importantly, I had to communicate with the stage manager during the show to know when the music needed to be played.

Even in rehearsal, the team themselves wanted themselves wanted to experience the impact they aimed to communicate to an audience at the showing, and they did so by preventing unauthorised light and sound into the rehearsal space while they worked. The soundtrack of the production reached gentle hums and whispers at points, and thus the sound of the air conditioner in the Rex Cramphorn Theatre was impinging on its effect and Richard was called to turn it

Initially I was excited to see so many classmates in a large production and witness the things we have been exploring during class resonate on to a larger stage. During both of the times that I attended the show I was disappointed in that it took almost all of the actors about two to three scenes to actually get to the place that they needed to be for the show. This was most apparent during the first time that watched the show. When the actors first entered the stage I could tell only a few of them had actually warmed up as much as they needed because I could barley understand the first couple of songs whenever only one person was singing due to lack of articulation and volume. This improved as the show

The doors did not open until 2:30pm, so I some time to myself. During this time I sat in the balcony and looked out to the stage. The performers were finishing taking pictures and said prayer, and cleared the stage. The tech crew started checking lights and sound while the dancers ran their numbers. I got distracted by them and time flew by. I checked my phone and it was 2:30pm, so I went back to the doors and waited for the audience to arrive. There was now a man playing Christmas songs on the piano. People are now being to slowly file in. I started scanning tickets, and only scanned about 25 tickets. It is now 3 o’clock and the audience is in their seats and the show has started. I was lucky and got to stand on the inside of the house to open the door for people as needed. I watched first act and opened the door about three times. It is now intermission and my time is over, so i got to

I treasured the moment. I put on my shades and walked across the hall with a determined look. I made my way backstage and was suddenly called to the stage. The spotlight was brighter than the suns ray. I foolishly put my shades back on and take a look around me. Complete silence was around me. Such a quiet, yet eerie atmosphere. Eyes across the stage followed me like a homing missile. I strum a chord and begin playing. A rough start was quickly changed whenever the music began progressing. After all, all that practice made me

This experience of simply observing an environment I am familiar with rather than engaging with it made me more aware of the norms of theatre, specifically those at my high school. Additionally their purpose became more clear as an observer than they were when a part of the

When I started high school, I was a shy and withdrawn person. I kept my distance from others. This was mostly due to the fact that I didn’t know anyone, and I was always told that high school was this big scary place. I didn’t really embrace school, because I didn't feel connected to the other students. Then I met someone who would become a very close friend of mine. This person always pushed me to meet new people. She suggested for me to join technical theater, or tech for short.

As my transcript undoubtedly shows, I am an Anthropology and Sociology major who also has a great intellectual and personal investment in Theater. I am continually fascinated and taking deeper looks into societal structures academically, but I have acquired a good deal of hands on practical knowledge about life, love, and how to make the "magic" happen through being a part of theater productions. Granted, I have certainly worked the most behind the scenes in set building, design, lighting, props, management and directing, but maybe because of that I am all the more cognizant of the message being conveyed to the audience and how the subtle ways in which the world of the play manifests change the message.

As the show began, the emotions and nerves backstage were staggering. Everyone was hoping for everything to play out just the way it had at rehearsals, but we were all in for a devastating surprise. The show was going absolutely amazing with the sold out auditorium rocking out to 80’s jams. It was nearing the end of the production with only the finale to close the incredible, successful night. After the entire cast piled out on stage to join the final singers in

The closing of the Choate Fringe Festival of my junior year took place on an otherwise inconsequential, cold winter day. We had decided not to strike immediately after the final show, but to wait until the next day so that the chaos of performance would subside. Everyone -- actors, directors, stage managers -- packed up the props, folded away the costumes, and deconstructed the sets. I remember quite vividly I was collecting all the props for my play when I was hit with this feeling of immense pride. I was so proud of my show, that I was able to put a concrete vision on a stage. I was so proud of my actors and their glorious ability to take my direction and make it their own. But above all, I was proud to have been a part of a

What do you think of when you hear the word “theater”? You might immediately think of Shakespeare, you might think of actors, singers and dancers, or you may even think of a movie theatre. Whatever it is that may come to mind, you might not realize the beneficial impact that participation in theatrical programs can have on just about anyone. I myself have gained from participation. The benefits of theater are many and can range from developing personal and professional skills, to conquering shyness, and even to therapeutic applications.