Behind the Plywood Sets...

Behind the make up, costumes, and sparkling lights comes the intense work and and devotion that accompany any stage performance. As soon as auditions are completed, the actors and actresses wait in anticipation for the day when the cast list is posted. When the lucky few have been chosen for their roles, the precious preliminary preparations begin for the show that will be performed months down the road. After endless hours of rehearsal, the performers are finally allowed to move into their new home- the theater. As the audience runs hastily into the theater to find a quality place to sit, backstage is buzzing with anticipation for the moment when they take their places on the stage. Although the scenes and dances seems effortless during a performance, there are countless hours of work that happen behind the plywood sets in preparation for a musical production at the Theater in the Park.

On the first day of rehearsals, every one sits uncomfortably in a circle as the scripts are distributed and costume measurements are taken. Slowly, one begins to wonder if any show can be worth the uneasy circumstances surrounding unfamiliarity. As the weeks pass, hours are spent, in and out of rehearsals, pouring over the pages of the script, memorizing each specific note in the score, and sweating through dance step after dance step. When each specific scene is repeated daily, the lines and actions become second nature for each of the performers. They begin to see the bigger picture of their show when each individual scene becomes blended with those that surround it. In the primary room, the director and choreographer hold scheduled practices while all around them in various other rooms impromptu costume checks, vocalizations, and warm ups are taking place. Soon, the mass of faceless bodies that surrounded the new cast on the first day of practices have names and personalities that accompany them.

A sense of relief overcomes the performers when they are allowed to enter the theater for the first time and see their sets, costumes, props, microphones, and dressing rooms. The rush of excitement that accompanies taking that first step onto the stage is indescribable. The scent of fresh paint lingers in the air because all of the sets have just been given their last coat of paint and are ready for use. As the performers enter their dressing rooms, they are greeted with brightly lit lights and overflowing racks of brightly colored costumes. Sitting in obscure places backstage, rest all of the sets that will be quickly whisked into place during the numerous scene changes. For the first time, the cast is introduced to the Theater's Manager and Technical Directors. All of those with speaking or singing lines in the musical are assigned the microphone that they will use every day from that point until closing night. Although the cast is thrilled with the new environment, the pressure is quickly pressed upon them for perfection in their roles. Rehearsals start lasting for a minimum of six hours a day. Although water and fans are helpful, the Summer temperatures become almost unbearable for the performers. All around performers are running lines, preparing for dances, and perfecting quick set changes. Even though tensions and excitement are on the rise, a little spare time is always found for fellowship and bonding with fellow cast members. Finally, the performers are able to see the light at the end of the tunnel as preparations end and performances begin.

Although the nights of performances have arrived, the actors and actresses are more tired than ever, but they never let it shake them as they take their places on the stage and become new people. The Call Time for the performers is a long while before the theater opens which is helpful so that all of the preparations can be made in a relaxed manner. As soon as the performers arrive, they scurry to the “Tech Tower” to retrieve their microphones. Directly there after, all of the dressing rooms become stuffed as stage make up is applied and the primping begins. Then, costumes are adorned and each person is slowly transformed into their respective characters. Now, many cast members begin to place props, practice dance steps, and help with other miscellaneous tasks that arise. Nerves start to increase backstage as the roar of the theater becomes louder when the thousands of audience members compete for the best seats in the house. All around, cast friends are gathering by the director as he gives last minute notes before taking his place in the audience. At five minutes to curtain, the lights beam in brilliant colors on the empty stage and the Music Director is the first to appear from the wings and as he take his place in the pit with the orchestra and begins the Overture. In various clumps scattered
backstage, friends come together to do various pre-performance rituals like praying, vocalizing,
stretching, and wishing one another good luck one last time before they take their places on the stage. Suddenly all nerves, pains, and insecurities disappear as each person in his or her own individualized character emerges from the wings and the show begins.

While the show is polished and ready on performance night, it took countless hours from chorus, directors, choreographers, leads, technical directors, managers, and others to make a production at Theater in the Park a success. During practices, the endless hours of work and the uncertainty of the final outcome stressful for each and every performer. When they reach the point of entering the theater, the show starts to truly take shape despite new pressures and excitements. With butterflies in their stomaches, the cast waits with anticipation for their chance to take that first step onto the stage. Although the workload is intense and it seems as if there is no time for other recreation, the faceless bodies that were once unknown strangers, have ultimately become each performers best friends and new family that they will keep for years to come. When the final pose is hit, the audience roars, and the stage goes black, the performers know that their hard work has paid off and they anxiously wait to start the whole process over again.