In a musical, there are many different things going on at all times. There are songs, speeches, sound effects, lighting, costume changes, props, and a myriad of other things that happen for the audience’s enjoyment. However, the audience might not really see how these things are actually happening so effortlessly.
Hastings High is in the process of rehearsing for this year’s spring musical, Big Fish. Actors and stage crew members alike have been hard at work preparing for the show.
One crew member, whose work is some of the most important, is also some of the most unnoticed by the viewers. This person is the stage manager. For this show, junior Alyvia Krueger has been chosen to hold the position alongside assistant stage manager sophomore Alexa Muske.
“The stage manager is like a conductor. Everyone is doing their part but the conductor tells them when and how to do it,” Funkey said.
At rehearsal the stage managers are in charge of many crucial things.
“As the stage manager, I’m the director’s right-hand man. During rehearsals, I take attendance, write down blocking and all the ques, give lines, read for actors that are missing, and help make sure everything is in order,” Krueger said.
Their work doesn’t stop there, both stage managers regularly attend work calls where the set is made.
“At work calls, I help build the set with the other crew members while the actors learn their choreography,” Krueger said.
When it comes time for opening night the stage managers take their place behind the stage and basically run the entire show from there. They do light and sound cues as well as some other physical cues.
“During the show, I, along with my assistant stage manager, run the whole thing. I give the cues to the sound and light people and make sure that everything goes well. It is a lot of work building up to the end of the show but it is also an amazing experience,” Krueger said.
One unique thing about Hastings High is that the theater director, Katy Funkey is in the audience on the nights of the performances. This means that the stage manager and assistant manager are in charge of crisis management and only reach out to Funky in case of an absolute emergency.
“Once the audience arrives, I am in the audience, so they are in charge of literally everything,” Funkey said.
This work is not for nothing as they help put on an amazing show and enjoy themselves along the way.
“When we have our shows we spend a lot of time together, so we’re like one big family. I’ve made countless friends by being a part of the shows at HHS. I love being with these talented kids and watching us all work hard to make the show as great as possible. These dedicated kids make all the hard work and lost sleep worth it,” Krueger said.
Being part of the production from start to finish they also get to see it go from bits and pieces to being worthy of an auditorium full of people.
“My favorite part of being part of the musical is that I get to watch it all come together. It is an amazing process watching something go from just a script and some actors to a full-on musical,” Muske said.
The Hastings High theatre department will be performing Big Fish April 13-15.
