Acting is an art in itself. However, actors are not the only part of a dramatic production. In order for a machine to function properly, all the parts need to be present. Backstage hands are an essential part of putting a show together.
First of all, the actors put forth countless hours of work into a production. such as scheduling for rehearsal, also extra time is needed for memorizing lines and perfecting delivery.
In any given week, an actor may be scheduled for twelve hours of rehearsal (three hours a night for four nights, for example). Assuming he or she works outside of rehearsal for forty-five minutes each day practicing lines, the actor is spending a little over seventeen hours each week on the play at minimum.
1. In GHS Drama Club, cast members are required to work six hours on backstage work. This work consists mainly of set building but also includes other aspect such as lights, sound, and publicity. After adding this total to the weekly time budget of the actors, one realizes that being in a play really is like having a part time job.
Not only do the actors spend a lot of time on their job, but also the backstage technicians also put in the time in order to have an all around successful performance.
2. The numerous crew positions available for any given play provides a wide selection of opportunities to people interested in theatre. Student assistant directors, production stage manager, backstage manager, light, sound, props, set building, hair and makeup crews, and crew chiefs are all keystones of a drama production team.
One of the very first pieces of the machine is pulling together props. This can be a job in itself, especially for large or specialty props. If the Drama Club does not have a prop on hand or someone can not bring it in, we either have to buy or make it. The same goes for set decoration, such as the stump featured in 2012’s production of “Almost, Maine,” which was a group effort.
3. Next, is building the set. The grueling hours spent can vary depending on how intricate the set is and also on the size of the crew. As they say, “many hands make light work.” For almost every play at GHS, Advisor Ron Jenkins dedicates an entire weekend to working on the set. Six to eight hours for three days simply drains a person. In a professional theatre, the set is often built from scratch, so many long and strenuous hours are required to put it together.
Once the set is finally built or is close to being done, it can be lit. Light hang and focus, for GHS Drama Club are traditionally held for four hours on a Friday night and includes pie. The night consists of traveling up and down on the cherry picker, working with hot lights that don’t want to move, enjoying a well deserved piece of pie (or two), and staying until the very (sometimes grudging) end.
On the other hand, when enough people are there to help, then it isn’t grudging. It’s actually fun, even if only a few people show up. Once the lights are all set, it brightens up the atmosphere.
4. The proper lighting highlights the hair and makeup of the actors and actresses. Some makeup is applied by the actors themselves, however many of the performers rely on the hair and makeup crew members to put their faces on for them. Stage makeup is a much different story than street makeup, it is much thicker and more dramatic. A performer’s makeup is meant to change his or her whole persona. Therefore, this means that it must be done well, and it puts pressure on the makeup artists. Considering makeup is only done a few times before the first night, the actors and makeup artists have few chances to get it just right.
Acting? Check. Set Work? Check. Hair? Makeup? Costumes? Check, check, check. Once lights and sound are added to these features, the troupe is ready for opening night. As soon as the audience applauds, the cast, crew, and directors relish in the fact that all the backbreaking work was worth it.

End scene.