Tech Week

I know a lot of people dread tech week, but I love it. For those not in the know, tech week is when rehearsals for a play start adding technical elements - lights, sound, costumes, full set and props. It's hard work, getting everything to come together and time out right. Lots of problem solving and standing around, hurrying up to wait, that sort of thing. It's also the transition point when stage managers take control of a production from the director. The director is still there, still in charge and making decisions, but (in theory) once the show opens the stage manager is in charge.

I really love seeing all the elements of a play come together. There's something that happens when we figure out the timing of those cues, and the lights and the sound enhance the dramatic tension on stage. Actors put on their costumes and their posture changes. The physicality of their characters starts to come through more. Their world is created and they adjust to it. It's really interesting work, and I really enjoy helping bring it all together.

I can tell if I've done my job well up to this point if the cast and crew turn to me with questions and concerns. If they aren't seeking me out, then I haven't earned their trust, which is a very bad thing. When they look to me for confirmation on something, I know I've earned their respect. I do have things I need to work on - I think I too often jump in to offer my opinion on how things should go, instead of letting the designers and the director interact. I think I do a good job of working with the designers to figure out where cues should be called, going off what they describe as the effect they're hoping for, or offering information about how actors are playing a moment, but I need to be more respectful in letting the director make their own choices and keeping out of those conversations.

I'm also rusty on calling cues, I think in no small part to the reality of being a stage manager and a board op. When I'm not calling light cues, and I'm in booths that require a minimum of talking, I tend to shorthand cue calling, which works for the shows I'm doing, but still makes me worried about losing that skill. Calling a show is tricky and I take pride in that I do it well.

It's good to have things to work on, though. And it's good to be in tech week, even when I'm exhausted. I'm really proud of this show, and excited to see it up on it's feet.