Exploring the Importance of Backstage Roles in Theater Production at SPSCC

The Minnaert Auditorium at SPSCC. Found on thustontalks.com, photo courtesy of SPSCC

Olympia is known for its arts scene throughout the Puget Sound region, with events such as the semi-annual Arts Walk, downtown art pieces that have been in place for years, and creativity programs like the Creative Theater Experience and the “Hands On Children’s Museum”. 

What about at South Puget Sound Community College?

It is no exception to this trend with an Arts and Communications Associate’s Degree program and a variety of events that bring together students and faculty to create works of art. Although, having first-hand experience can often provide a deeper level of understanding and knowledge than only theoretical learning.

One recent example of this was the production of “Far Away,” a play originally written by Caryl Churchill in 2000, which was performed in the black box theater at the college’s Kenneth J. Minnaert Center. The play is set in a dystopian future where everyone and everything is against each other, exploring the fear that a government can instill in its people. The production featured student actors as well as a student tech crew, who helped with the set design and technological aspects of the show.

Backstage tech roles are just as important as the actors in a show, as actors rely on the tech crew just as much as the crew relies on the actors. In the “Non-Musical Play-Black Box” class at SPSCC, students learn how to create the backstage aspects of a play, from implementing the play into their tech work to learning how a community can come together to create a play. This class helps students build skills in prop-making, set design, and stage management, and fosters a sense of community among participants.

Working backstage takes the stress off of doing written work, which is also part of why people do theater. It helps foster a sense of community that people can connect with each other. For example, Alana Nicholas, a student who participated in the production of “Far Away,” was in charge of the sound booth during the show. She started doing theater in high school and found that working backstage was her comfort zone. She appreciated the opportunity to do hands-on work and learn new skills, while also taking a break from her other college assignments.

The technological aspects of a play, such as lighting and sound, are done in the booth at the back of the theater. Students in the tech crew have the opportunity to try new things and gain experience in different roles, such as sound technician or lighting designer. The hard work done by the tech crew helps bring the show to life, creating an atmosphere that allows the actors to perform to the best of their ability.

If you’re interested in participating in a theater program like this, SPSCC offers classes such as “Non-Musical Play-Black Box,” “Theatre Production Practicum: Musical,” and “Production-Theatre Lab” that provide opportunities to get involved in theater production. Whether you’re interested in acting, prop-making, or stage management, there is a role for you in the theater community at SPSCC.