Theatre Kid Life: Tech Week Starter Pack

Hello all, 

It's time to talk about something that we love with a passion and is a major part of our lives: MUSICAL THEATRE.

Boy oh boy do we love our theatre. We love it so much that I have done 6 shows in the ensemble and 6 shows in the backstage crew. I'm not quite sure what it is that I love so much about it. Maybe it's how the cast and crew (ok, more like the cast, and the crew, which sometimes crosses over. The division is real), all become super close and bond in the way only hours upon hours of rehearsals could provide. Or maybe it's the live-ness of it all. Everything is happening, the set changes , the performance, the music, right before your eyes. Music! Talent! Creation! Oh my goodness. 

I've just finished a 7 show run with a student theatre group at our Uni. This is a show that I have been working on since February, as one of two Assistant Stage Managers. It was an amazing, hands-on experience that required me to work throughout the whole process, rather than just turn up one week before the production and learn all the set changes. I was one of two people in charge of props, which is something I haven't done before, as well as ASM backstage. I had never done a 7 show run before so it was a lot of hours, but so worth it.

As mentioned above, this was not my first theatre production. After doing this many shows, you start to know what it is you need to survive Production Week aka Tech Week. 

Production Week is the week leading up to opening night where you move into the theatre and you rehearse with all elements finally together (props, set, lighting, sound, costumes, make-up, the whole razzle dazzle). However, this always takes a few days to get right, and it's when most decisions are made, so Production week can be tedious, hence why it's also known as Hell Week. But no fear! Because I know exactly what you need to make it through. 

TECH WEEK STARTER PACK

1. Backstage Crew

This is me from when I was crew for Legally Blonde! I used pink lipstick and a pink pen because whoever said orange is the new pink is seriously disturbed.

A plain black jumper: This depends on when your production is running, but for me, production season is during the cooler months, and you're going to need to rug up, you backstage ninja. Mine is a large zip-up hoodie from the men's section at K-Mart. One pocket has a hole in it but it keeps me warm and disguised throughout the show's run.
An extension to this is black jeans, black shirt and closed toe black shoes. Plain black. There can be no other colour or any traces of white on there at all or else your clothes will be gaffed. (It's serious business, yo. You cannot and are not supposed to be seen by the audience.)

A small torch: Backstage in the wings is dark. It's dark, and the only light you have is one or two blue lamps. This is so the audience cannot see what is in the wings and thus ruin the illusion or detract from the performance. And if you're going to try to co-ordinate set pieces, props, follow along with the script, read or running sheet, find out what the hell is that on the floor and who the hell is that lurking in the corner? (Oh, it's a cast member, don't worry), you're going to need a small torch. And don't forget the blue cellophane, because those lamps are blue for a reason (it's a less harsh/bright light)

 This is my torch. It's a mini Dolphin that comes with a clip for me to clip to the belt loop of my jeans (black, like everything else/the backstage crew's soul) and the cellophane is actually a blue gel for the stage lights, held on by gaff because that's all I could find on opening night in the wings during a show.

Sugar: Lollies. Packets and containers of them. Get a stash. Get party mix, snakes, Skittles, MnM's, etc. Something small, something quick to eat, and a lot of them. Because you will get hungry, and you will need the energy. Tech week can have you in the theatre all day and late into the night, and then you do it all again the next day/night. You can try to eat healthy during tech week, and it can be done, but you will be craving sugar and McDonald's, and about every junk/comfort food ever. But just roll with it. You are excused for this week. 
Thank goodness for $2 Allen's Lollies specials at Coles <3

Pen/Highlighter: You will forget things, and things in the run will change. This might be a prop, a task you have to chase up, a set piece you need to assign to someone, etc. Notes will be taken, because this week is all about sorting all elements out in order to make the show run as smoothly as possible and the best it can be. If you don't have a pen/pencil/highlighter, you might forget something. Above is some of my notes from two of my running sheets.

2. Cast

Claire as Clarice the Jet (Dress Rehearsal)

Pineapple Juice: Juice is another source of sugar. However, pineapple juice is also really good at opening up your throat for singing. This is something I picked up when I was in the cast and it has become a constant presence. (Lollies also applies here)

Stockings:This one is for the ladies.If you are required to wear stockings, which, if your legs are even the little bit exposed, no matter how long or short your costume is, you will be, you will need spares. Because ladders will happen, and you cannot go on stage with ripped stockings, unless the role requires it, am I right, ladies? Tip: spray your stockings with hairspray to prevent ladders/also works to stop ladders from spreading.

Bobby pins: You will need them. Trust me.

Foundation: Stage make-up is big, bold (and beautiful). You will generally be asked to bring foundation that is one or two shades darker than your skin tone for this purpose, otherwise the stage lights will wash you out and the audience won't be able to see your face. Embrace the cake face, darling. 

These photos come from two of my past productions as a cast member. The photo credit does not belong to us.

All in all, Tech Week is where all that bonding you have been doing at rehearsals and production meetings comes in handy, because then you're able to a. keep each other sane and b. it really shows when you're all able to work together and create the best show ever. It is stressful, it is exhausting, but when you finally get an audience in the theatre, and you hear the applause, it makes it all worth it.

And finally, please please PLEASE be patient with everyone. If you're a cast member, please listen to and be patient with the crew. You may have been rehearsing for weeks/months but the crew only have one week to learn everything. Also, it's for your own safety, if a big set change is happening. Crew, please be patient with the cast, they are excited and tired just like you. You're all in the same boat, but it'll all work out fabulously. AND BE KIND TO YOUR PARENTS/HOUSEMATES. And thank them for supporting you. Patience and gratitude goes a long way.

Stay gold!

Claire xx