As a
part of the tech crew, we have to understand that every aspect of the show we
work (except for the acting) is happening because of us. We help with set
change to make it more realistic. We help with lights and sound to set the
mood. We help with the filming. But at the same time, we have to be ready to
let the actors take the credit. To be honest, without the tech crew, every play
or musical put on would not be veryaesthetically pleasing.
The
actors do a fabulous job. It takes skill, and hard work, and practice, and time
to be a good actor. They are amazing. Without them, what’s the point of a show
at all? But the lighting, music, stage crew and camera crew, work with the actors to help make the show
they are acting in even better. While nobody wants to watch a play or musical
with no one on stage, at the same time, no one wants to watch a play or a
musical where there aren’t lights to accentuate the actors; sounds to give
effect, stage to make it look realistic.
The
show goes well. The audience applauds. Although no one knows I’m up there, I
know they know I helped. It was very gratifying for us to be mentioned in the
program.
Even
though many people are indifferent to the fact that without the tech crew, the
show wouldn’t have the same ambiance, it is fun to be in the shadows. I used to
love being in the limelight as a child, but I have changed, being a part of the
tech crew. It is exciting to be backstage or up in the booth where no one can
see us, wearing all black. It is exciting to know that the fate of the whole
show rests in our hands as we press a single button, or switch to the next
camera, or put the prop on the correct spike.
We
make the show come alive. We do it so naturally it’s like breathing – you don’t
notice you are until you do. Now I know why movies like Life of Pi and The Hobbit: An
Unexpected Journey have won or been nominated for a ‘best visual effects’
Academy Award.
It’s
because of the awesome tech crew.
