Following the hype of “Wednesday,” a supernatural comedy-horror series based on the iconic Addams family member, the Sage Creek Theatre Department is presenting “The Addams Family” musical through Oct. 28. Shows began with a middle school show the morning of Oct. 25. Everyone who’s seen a musical or play at SCHS knows the magic of the stage, but the work that goes into making sure a show is ready to debut in the first place is not nearly as well-publicized.
Every Theatre Department production requires a technical crew of students of all grades and experience levels who work for hours after school for at least a week — an event known as “Tech Week” — to execute the exceptionally detailed pre-show process. From script cues to prop-blocking to curtain-hauling, things can get hectic, but the crew must be prepared for anything.
“In order to get through the chaos, you have to act confident in your actions, because even if you make a mistake, that confidence will make the audience think it wasn’t even a mistake in the first place,” says AJ Bermudez, the show’s assistant stage manager. “And working with the situation you’re given is so important.”
This year’s production is one of the most physically challenging yet, requiring a 20-person crew to move the large set about the stage with every scene change. Backstage, students complete their tasks in near-silence as characters sing of what it means to be an Addams.
Because anyone can sign up, rather than just those in the Technical Theatre or regular Theatre classes, everyone who participates in Tech Week learns something new, whether that’s learning how to move set pieces efficiently or learning how to peacefully teach new volunteers how to navigate around the stage.
“Working the fly system is kind of physically demanding, but it gives me a sense of purpose, because I get to control an essential part of the show,” says Alexander Rocha, who controls the stage curtains. “It’s one of the most demanding jobs in Tech because I have to comply with a bunch of safety requirements, and on top of that, I kind of have to move the cast around to make sure that they’re in the right spot and that the cue is on time.”
Tech brings together students from all backgrounds and interests to help create a welcoming atmosphere on campus for anyone to enjoy. SCHS is known for STEM subjects, but the Arts thrive too, rewarding students with community and the experience of delighting an audience.
“The Addams Family” opens Thursday night at 7 p.m., with following shows on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.
