If you’re anything like me, you have always enjoyed seeing how things work. It isn’t enough just to see the outside of things, you need to crack them open and see the moving parts. You like finding out what makes things tick. It is the desire to satisfy this curiosity that lead me to discover one of my favorite activities: working backstage on theatrical productions. 
I have been working with the Texarkana Repertory Company (TexRep) for five years, which is where I discovered my love of working backstage crew.
While I enjoy working in the lighting booth, my favorite crew position is that of Stage Manager. Maybe you have heard that term before, and maybe you haven’t. Essentially, a Stage Manager is the person in charge of everything that happens backstage. A Stage Manager has many responsibilities. This includes, but is not limited to, assisting the director, keeping time, running book (keeping up in the script, making sure that the actors are saying their lines correctly and giving them lines if they need them), moving set pieces and scenery, setting props, helping actors with quick costume changes, directing other stage crew members, and more. In a nutshell, your job is to ensure that the play runs as smoothly as possible. This is both very exciting and slightly nerve-wracking.
As a Stage Manager, you need to be patient, proficient at taking and giving directions, good at listening and communicating, and polite yet firm. You also need good time management and organizational skills, and you mustn’t be easily distracted or frustrated. Besides those skills, you will need actual tools to help you be successful. I have found that it is very helpful to make checklists, and check everything on those lists at least twice. I also make myself a Stage Manager’s kit for every show. This may include bandages, pain medication, multiple small flashlights, cough drops, mints, breath freshening strips, a lint roller, tissues, writing utensils, Post-It notes, and anything else that I think might be useful to myself or my actors. If I had to offer advice, I would say that making sure your actors and fellow crew members like and respect you is key. Nobody wants to be stuck backstage with someone they cannot stand. Though it is a theatrical production, it is best that there is very little drama involved. In the words of creative director Michael Cooper, “Keep the drama on the stage”.
If you are not interested in Stage Managment, there are plenty of other volunteer opportunities available. TexRep is always looking for lighting or sound board operators, stage crew, ushers for performances, and people who are interested in set construction. If you would prefer to be on stage, auditions are always open to everyone (within the casting requirements for the play). Experience in these areas is welcome, but generally not required.
Some people might say that peeking behind the curtain ruins the magic, but to me, it only heightens it. Not only do you get to see the play as the audience sees it, you also get to see everything that they can’t. It’s like watching a live behind-the-scenes featurette and gag reel unfold in front of you. I also enjoy being a part of every step of the theatrical process. It is incredibly satisfying to see a show go off without a hitch, or see the actors nail a scene they had trouble with at the beginning. There’s no greater feeling than a job well done. I would highly recommend this activity to anyone, but especially to those who have an interest in theatre.
For more information on our season or volunteer opportunities, please visit TexRep online or on Facebook. You can also follow us on Instagram.
As set designer Chris Polson always says, “See you at the theatre!”
