But theatre is an actual art form and takes the most insane levels of dedication to pull off. Hamilton straight up had to cut a hole in the stage to make the rotating platform they use. The lighting crew of the Lion King were given the task of making a wildebeest stampede look real. On stage. Without actual wildebeest. And not really a lot of puppets. Don’t even get me started on the chandelier in Phantom of the Opera.
And they did it. They actually pulled it off, and continue to do so, and make it look easy. This is basically an appreciation post for the technical side of theatre because yes, actors have a job to do and it’s very difficult, but the stage crew is back here moving mountains.
I have a huge amount of respect for anyone who chooses to work backstage on a theatre production of any kind, because it is a huge amount of work and responsibility, and it’s just wild that people can do it.
Also, a hand for the stage manager, who is sitting in the booth cuing every single thing happening onstage for upwards of two hours. It’s impressive, and I know for a fact that theatre wouldn’t work without them.
Also, the quick-change people, the make-up artists, the costume designer who has to figure out how to make a Rococo dress that allows its actress to breathe (Beauty and the Beast, for example), the techies trying who have to manually move lights risking their lives every night up in the rafters.
You are appreciated. We couldn’t do it without you. If it weren’t for you working your magic actors would just be standing in blank space and rags talking to air.
Here’s to the stage crews.
Grace's Place 