This year, O’Shea Theater’s spring musical is the iconic, landmark musical, Oklahoma!(1943.) While auditions have already passed, it is never too late to experience the behind-the-scenes of a production and join the technical crew(tech crew!)
If you are wondering what Oklahoma! is or what tech crew is, here is a rundown for you:
Set in 1906, right before Oklahoma’s statehood and during a period of rivalry between cowboys and local farmers, Oklahoma! is about Cowboy Curly McLain and farm girl Laurey William’s chaotic romance. The pair constantly try to confess their love for one another but are kept apart by their own stubbornness and the menacing farmhand, Jud Fry.
Most people are familiar with an actor’s job of memorizing lines, practicing songs, and perfecting stage presence, but not as many people know what the behind-the-scenes fairies do. There are four main teams within the tech crew: Construction, costume, props, and light & sound.
The construction crew takes the liberty of building everything the director desires. From houses and towering trees to felt bushes and hay bales, the construction crew does it all. If you’re familiar with using a drill and like getting your hands dirty, or simply interested in working on your carpentry skills, construction crew is for you.
The costume crew is responsible for the creation of costumes for actors during shows. During rehearsals, the costume crew measures actors and finds them clothing to suit the director’s vision. During shows, they assist actors during quick changes and keep track of costumes. Digging through the stuffy costume closet may be a chore for some, but a dream for my fashion divas.
The props crew handle all items used by actors on stage that are not a part of the set. A suitcase the actor uses for a scene, for example! They have the special privilege of rummaging through the props closet or craft props to procure anything needed. Post-show, they will clean and return any props. The prop crew manages the props with a labeled prop table and scolding actors for not placing their props back on the prop table.
The light & sound crew is responsible for designing and operating all light and audio equipment to create the show’s atmosphere. They ensure all actors have balanced, working microphones and that lighting fits the director’s vision. During shows, they follow cues to ensure that lighting and sound changes happen at precise moments. In my opinion, light & sound crew are the bravest of the four. One has not felt true fear until they are walking 40 feet in the air on the catwalks.
I hope this summary helped you figure out which crew within tech crew you’re most interested in! O’Shea theater always welcomes new people. If you have questions about rehearsals and how you can get involved, talk to Mr. Allen in B200. The show dates are March 20th at 6pm, March 21st at 1pm, and March 26th and 27th at 6pm. See you then!
