well then, the other side of performance (well in certain circumstances) lightinmg, sound mixing, cables, curtains, props, speakers, etc. who else techs?
I tekked at a national repetory theater for a few years, its a thankless job but at times way more important than who is onstage! Its a creative problem-solving task, but has some very fun moments. They were large productions with equity actors, so it was a nice introduction to a professional level stage, and I learned alot about lighting, rigging, sound, costumes, sets etc. Without the techs supplying and managing those things, actors are forced to rely on *talent* alone, so making sure those things keep coming is really important! Also, I learned firsthand the value of that old addage, never do a show with kids or animals. There was once a thread like this that I told the tale backing this, but suffice to say, they are wise words in that addage.
I am more of an actor than a techie, but a techie has just as much, if not more important role as the actor.. for the show I am in now we have a required minimum of 10 hours of crew, though I usually do it if it's required or not
I have worked on amazing sets, focused lights blind five minutes before a show, fixed a dimmer during a show while power was flowing through it (2.4 kilowatt no less... I didn't tell the teacher\director till the run was over) and run sound from anything from laptop pc's to casettes...... being a tech instilled in me a fervent nearly psychotic work ethic and a desperate need to accomplish certain sorts of things..... and I never once lost a ketchup bottle... which it a terribly inside joke as all theatres have....
Sometimes I do some tech work. Sound or lights. Usualy, I lift things and try to get the proper material flow backstage (people tech??).
Oh God. Tech Crew. I've been doing Tech crew since I was 12, and it rocks. I usually volunteer for sound (and then pester until i get sound), but I'm also Student Director sometimes. But man, do I love my soundboard. It's a giant hunk of godforsaken shit, and I seem to be the only one who's tamed it. Oh sweet Sparky, how I miss thee. But I love tech, cause while actors are all off learning acting junk, tech screws around until we're needed. ~Layla
I've been a techie right from the start. My mom was a Broadway stage manager and my dads a lighting designer. They met on tour in Europe actually. I learned how to operate the lighting board at age 2 and started stage managing and doing spot at age 11. My best friend is my spot partner and my boyfriend does the board. All my clothes are covered in paint and glue. My power drill sits on my bedside table....truly a techie girl. I've done about 55 shows I think
