While sponges soak up the spotlight this weekend in McNicholas’s spring musical, SpongeBob the Musical, there are just as many stars involved with the backstage crew.
A backstage crew manages technical operations and coordination for every theatre production. While cast members perform onstage, staff members handle lighting, sound, set changes, costumes, and props behind the scenes.
Music Director Lauren Bridges Loyer said the production includes student management levels of musical experience. “We have some students who have never sung in an ensemble in our play, and we have some students who have tons of musical experience,” Loyer said.
Production managers coordinate between actors and crew. “Backstage, communication is key. It is a way of ensuring the production remains organized,” Loyer said.
Theater Director and teacher Mrs. Leslie Baum said the crew manager should have leadership skills and be mature enough to overcome challenges. “Often the crew manager ends up being a junior, senior, somebody who’s been around for a while, and really knows the ropes.” Baum said.
Junior Audrey Ackerman, the Production Stage Manager, said she practices four days a week and is present whenever actors rehearse. “I am also in communication with all department heads and assistant stage managers through walkie- talkies in case anything goes wrong. Helping backstage is a great way to get involved if you’re not into acting,” Ackerman said.
Art crews handle construction, painting, and prop management. They make sure each prop is labeled and cataloged with the actor’s name and the time it is used on stage. Paint crews prepare sets and props, while run crews manage set switches and cleanup.
Junior art/props manager Emma Laudeman explained. “I love to paint, so I joined the paint crew. I like the work ethic it builds and the amazing community I can be a part of. I do touch-ups and learn the blocking for running set pieces,” she said.
“Everybody brings their own energy, but they also know that the play’s the most important thing. So, everybody works together as a team to make that happen,” Baum said.
Senior tech manager Louis Smith shares his experience. “While the play is live, my role this time is supervising [other students], running sound, and helping the [students] run lights and add sound effects,” Smith said.
“We have just about as many people on the crew as we do in the cast for SpongeBob. We are grateful for every single one of them,” Loyer said.
Junior Abby Brock, a member of the costume crew, said the energy backstage is what keeps her coming back. “While the play is going on, we stay backstage and help cast members with quick changes if they have multiple costumes.” Brock said.
As actors take center stage, the spell of each show comes from the dedication behind the scenes. Spongbob the Musical will be performed in the Larry Bogenshutz gym on Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets can purchased online on the McNicholas website and can be purchased during lunches.
The McNicholas Milestone 