By Jeffrey Catalano
Assistant Editor
Beginning on Monday, April 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Theatre at the J invites students between the ages of 10 and 17 to join the behind-the-scenes action of the theater as part of the stage crew. “Theatre at the J: Stage Crew Apprenticeship” is a 3-week program that will include an orientation and hands-on training in a wardrobe assistance, running crew and prop management.
Some of the duties and responsibilities of Theatre at the J’s backstage crew are described below:
– Costume assistants will help young children with costume changes between scenes and assists with hair and makeup before the show.
– Running crew will involve moving set pieces on and off the stage and helping actors find their mark in the wings.
– Prop assistants will distribute and collect props and make sure that they are returned to the correct location.
“Stage Crew Apprenticeship” is a small, focused experience that is only open to 4 to 6 students. Prior Theatre at the J alumni and siblings of current cast members are encouraged to apply. Students wanting to participate should be able to take direction and work independently.
Final assignments in the apprenticeship will be given out based on aptitude to guarantee student success. The student stage crew will be assigned to adult supervisors at a ratio of 2:1.
Backstage crew is vital to the success of any production, and this program is the first step to include everyone in the theater, not just those who want to act on stage. Students who participate in “Stage Crew Apprenticeship” will receive credit in the program, a show t-shirt and be invited to the cast party.
“Theatre at the J: Stage Crew Apprenticeship” will begin with an orientation and safety training on Monday, April 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There is a fee to participate in this three-week program, which will conclude with the cast party on May 18.
