Stage Craft/Crew put it all together

In order for Shrek the Musical to go off without a hitch, the stage hands are behind the scenes making it all happen. Stage craft has been building set since August, painting and constructing various buildings and backdrops to bring Shrek to life; everything you see on stage is thanks to their effort and dedication.

At the beginning of the year, stage craft students divided up their responsibilities into sections: Duloq, Farquaad’s chambers, the dragon and the dragon’s lair, Fiona’s tower, Shrek’s swamp, the barn, and the forest. From there, the sets and props had to be built, painted, and decorated to provide the full effect.

“If you don’t know how to use certain tools, Marty and Mrs. Palmer will show you how to use them, it’s really helpful.” said junior Kylie Laxton.

“Mr. Marty,” as the students call him, is Performing Arts’ right hand man. He works alongside Palmer to help build set and run tech.

While not singing and dancing, certain stage craft members have taken on multiple jobs in order to help Shrek run smoothly. Senior Westin Williams has spent time on and off stage, building set in class and running lights during showtime to further support the show.

“Instead of being backstage changing props, I am in charge of the lights and scene changes,” said Williams. “It’s really cool that I get to be a part of both sides.”

With showtime quickly approaching, stage craft has been putting the final touches on their sets. The paint is dry, the props are ready to go, and stage craft’s work is nearly complete.

In the world of theater, every show starts with a rising curtain. Backstage, Ada High’s stage crew is responsible for every scene change, every curtain, and every backdrop. Between scenes when the lights go out, stage crew has ten seconds to move the set and swiftly return to their previous responsibilities. Stage crew had to learn their part like any cast member learns their lines.

Stage Manager, Breanna Knighten is the head of the whole operation, controlling the main curtains and assisting with scene changes. Knighten is also a part of stage craft and understands the importance of both groups.

Knighten said, “Stage craft builds the set and stage crew moves it on and off the stage. It’s almost the same thing, just different aspects.”

Every component that makes up Shrek contributes to the overall performance. Stage crew makes sure the cast and cores can give the audience the show they came for. For example, Crew Chief Trystan Marshall is in charge of ensuring that everything gets put into place backstage.

“We’re working well,” said Marshall. “It’s just like we’re part of the cast; every show is a run through for us to rehearse and improve.”

As Shrek rehearsals are reaching a close, stage craft and crew feel that everyone’s hard work will pay off and Shrek The Musical will be a success. Don’t just take their word for it, go see the show! Performances for the public will be this Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday in the Ada Cougar Activity Center.

Don’t miss out! It’ll be “ogre” before you know it.