End of Holiday!

    On Sunday afternoon, we closed The Holiday Spectacular. I learned a lot being an assistant stage manager(ASM), and I'm still debating on whether I like it or not. I really enjoyed it when I understood what was going on, like once we had the entire show planned out and I knew exactly what transitions needed to happen. But when I was still trying to figure it out and didn't have a clue what I was doing, it was a little stressful. But I think I would enjoy it more if I did assistant stage manage again as I would have more of an idea about what I am doing. 

    I learned a lot about the importance of a backstage crew and everything that they do for a production. A show literally cannot run without tech. There are stage managers calling every light, sound and action that needs to be happening during a show. There are people on rail that lower backgrounds into the space, or they bring drops on and off. There is a run crew that brings set pieces on and off. Props have to be tracked and reset and ASMs have to make sure all of the things happening backstage run smoothly. Wardrobe crew helps with quick changes, costumes and wigs. 

    Another thing about being a part of the crew is that you have to strike. Strike is when you take apart the whole entire set, take down the lights, take down the legs( the giant curtains on the sides of the stage to block actors backstage) and clear the stage. Since we were in Lima for the last weekend, we had to strike in Lima, load trucks with everything, take it all back to Ada and unload it all. We started at 4:30pm and ended at 10:30pm. Although, apparently it took longer last year because some of my friends who were a part of the strike last year said they got out at 12am. So, I'm glad it didn't take as long as it could've. 

    It's been a long week and it started out with a Sunday where I basically didn't get a break. But I'm very grateful for my experience and I did have fun and learned so much. 


Comments

  1. Liz GeslerDecember 12, 2024 at 12:10 PM

    As somebody who attended the Holiday Spectacular this year, the show would not be as good without all the production behind it. The lights, the background sounds, the costumes and the sets for each scene really brought the show to life. While it sounds very stressful, especially loading for each show, I think it turned out great!

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  2. Matthew CookDecember 12, 2024 at 4:19 PM

    You were stellar as an ASM! You help hold the production together and I'm sure even though we are all well acquainted with the show that it wouldn't take much to derail it so I am very grateful for you. Strike for Holiday is an absolute beast but you powered through! I am so proud of you.

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