by Lily Jacobson ’24
Lights. Camera…wait…wait…Mic check. Tape. Props. Costumes. Make-up. Sound. Curtain…ACTION!
Junior Noah Holmgren began working on TLS stage crew his freshman year. This year he was given soundboard operation duties, which involve making sure the audience can hear the show and the sound effects.
“Without the stage crew the show doesn’t happen, it’s as simple as that,” Holmgren said. “The actors could put on the show of their lives, but with no one running lights, no one can see them, with no one running sound they can’t be heard.”
Senior Ana Bernstein has been on stage crew since 7th grade and has even chosen to major in stage management at Ithaca College. Over the years, she has risen to the position of stage manager. Her job is to ensure that the cast and crew have everything they need for the show to be performed.
“Before tech week, I am more focused on the costumes and props for the cast,” Bernstein said. “During tech week, we focus more on the tech and on the needs of the crew, less on the cast.”
Tech week is the stage crew’s time to shine. During this week, the stage crew makes sure they have the props, buys the costumes, makes sure they fit, finishes up the sets, sets up the props backstage for the performance, and so much more.
“Tech week is the most stressful week ever because something always goes wrong,” junior Joy Amidror said.
Since Amidror holds the position of stage manager, her main responsibilities include assigning tasks to all of the crew, talking to the director about props, costumes, and choosing the play or musical.
“I enjoy talking with the cast, making new friends, getting to know all grades, and I also like being in charge, so I enjoy screaming at people,” Amidror said.
Every day during regular rehearsals for the two weeks prior to the performance, the stage crew works diligently behind the scenes. Stage crew designs, builds, and makes the sets, props, and costumes as well as prepares the sound and lighting.
“My first day on the crew, stage manager Ana Bernstein said to me ‘at crew, we are all a family’ and that is 100 percent the truth,” Holmgren said.
Throughout the year each crew member spends approximately 30 hours fulfilling crew duties. They are always the first ones to arrive for rehearsals and the last ones to leave.
“Working in crew has been one of the most enjoyable and memorable parts of my time at The Leffell School, and if you have the time I definitely recommend it to everyone,” Holmgren said.