Tech Week

This weekend we had tech: the aspect of every show that everyone  loves to hate. I personally love tech. My favorite part of any show is the lighting because of its importance and power. The magic in every  scene is established not only with the actors’ impeccable timing, but  also with the sound cues and ethereal lights, a.k.a. the technical stuff  to accompany the rehearsed emotional stuff. Tech is a great time to  showcase how much of a team we are, since it is our only chance to be able to sit in the audience and watch scenes that we are not in. During  tech rehearsal, we practice our backstage etiquette, which is  comprised of engaged silence, and an all-business tone. We turned the  blue clip lights on backstage and in the green room, signaling “go  time”. During tech, we also start using props for the first time. This is  both aggravating and exciting, because all of the props are incredible  (props to the props crew!) but trying to fit a cow on roller skates  through a closet door has been challenging to say the least. But, tech  allows us to see how much detail and hard work goes into the show  from everyone involved. Tom, who is helping us out with sound, made  sure everyone is equipped with microphones and waist straps to attach the packs. Carrie and Jake are running lights and sounds cues in the  booth, and Anna is our backstage manager. Ms. Connell took copious  notes during tech that she later shared with all of us, while Mr. Howard  was able to take technical notes, and direct the actors onstage. Dom  helped out with difficult scene changes, and Sam and Liz Wheeler were beginning the process of trying on costumes and make up in the green  room. Dr. Wu and Dr. Davis were hard at work in the pit, as we get  ready for the full band to accompany us during tech/dress rehearsal.  Tech rehearsal has put the play into perspective, for we can see  everything coming together. To illustrate my point, Milky White the cow has become my favorite character because of the sound cues – they’re  hilarious. Come see Into the Woods this Thursday, Friday and Saturday  at 7:30!