This year the arts department decided to do an entire secondary school production which combined both middle school and high school. They announced the selected musical at the end of last school year, everyone was excited to see the classical played out in our school auditorium. Last year I was casted in the school play after I had auditioned, but due to the increase in workload and added stress/ pressure of university applications this year I had to sacrifice acting in the production. It was one of the many activities I had to drop entering senior year, as at the start of the year we were advised by the secondary principal and our DP coordinator to have a balance but to do minimal activities. However, mid November Ms. Jackson approached me asking if I wanted to be stage manager alongside Rika. I took the opportunity as not only would it be useful for my DP theatre course, but also because it was a way for me to still be involved with the production.

As stage manager I had a lot of responsibilities like line tracking, making sure the props were in place, helping the cast with their cues, assisting Ms. Jackson and making sure everything was smooth sailing backstage. It was stressful. It was a lot more challenging this year, as I had to work with a lot of younger children which meant more misplaced props and forgotten cues than usual. Though it was difficult at times with Rika’s help we were able to ensure it was nothing but perfect on the show days. At the start of every show day we made sure all the props were in place, that the cast had their costume changes, the mics were on and ready to go and that people were aware of when they needed to be on stage. There was a lot of rushing and sushing the three days of the live performance. Through the process I learnt a lot as a theatre student, as there is a lot that needs to be done backstage to make the front stage performance possible. The job required me to be on top of things and to be highly organized. It is an experience I am glad I had, especially considering the success of the performance.

Being a part of it taught me more than just the importance of backstage responsibilities, but also the different ways production and performance elements can be used to create a meaningful piece of theatre. I was amazed by the way that Trey and Ms. Jackson used the auditorium to create atmosphere and help create moments of tension. They beautifully used shadow theatre, movement, voice, levels and set/design to create the world of Oliver. It really did inspire me and show me that if you have a vision for your production then anything is possible. All it takes is an ounce of creativity and an ounce of taking the risk. Being there help enhance my knowledge as not only a performer, but also a creator and director.

I would being lying if I said that constantly being there during rehearsals and working with the cast didn’t make me have feelings of regret for not trying out. I just had to keep reminding myself why I made the decision I made. It is a part of growing up and becoming a senior —  you have to start to prioritize and you learn that you can no longer just do everything. Initially, it was hard for me to accept this concept, but once I started to talk to others in my grade I noticed that I wasn’t the only one making sacrifices. Many had given up doing sports seasons and doing activities they loved which made it easier for me to see that I was doing something to avoid a burn out/ over stressing myself out.

It was a pleasure working with everyone and being involved in such an amazing piece of theater. I must applaud the directors for their spectacular directors choices, but also the performers for executing so wonderfully. I especially loved working alongside Oliver, who’s actual name is Connor from 6th grade, as he really was a ball of joy to work with and really showed if you love something you’ll shoot for the starts to get it. Here is an end to another era, as the days get closer to graduation…