[Milleh]

Is it worth helping backstage at my local theatre ?

I want to go into theatre/drama after my A levels and have asked to help backstage at my local theatre.

I do prefer acting but working backstage would help give the sense of feel of doing it but I was just wondering your views ?

[Robinflamingo]

My views are this: the ONLY way to be a wonderful, well-rounded theatre person is to experience all the areas. Actors who have never worked in a backstage capacity are missing a little piece of the puzzle.

And if you EVER aspire to direct, you must know all areas of the production intimately. Besides, working backstage is an absolute blast!

[Da_Dark_Dude]

do it. the theatre is the most wonderful thing on earth. never pass up even the smallest opportunity in any aspect of it. wat u are being offered is not a job, it is a privilege.

Steve

[MissMusic]

I had scheduling conflicts with the last play at my school, and so i couldnt do it. About one week before opening night, aka the week we call Hell Week, i asked my drama teacher if she could use more help backstage. Sure enough they could. So, my job was helping move sets, and managing the backstage dressing room. This ment hanging up costumes for the girls, and redoing their hair REALLY QUICKLY before they go back on just to make them look a wee bit different. I was shocked when i found out how much fun it was, and how relaxed i could be back stage. I really helped two of my friends that get really nervous by just being there. So when it came time to fill out a sheet for our musical, it said what ELSE would you like to do: I said I would lovelovelove to work back stage, or do costumes...

Moral of the story:
Yes, go work backstage, its amazingly more fun than exspected.
And as someone said, You really do need to be wellrounded to be in theatre.
My other retired drama teacher director person ALWAYS says this, and she's right. Now if only i knew what to do with lights... but i cant, the head kid who does them is like a stalker. He had my drama teacher call and ask my MOM if i wanted to go see somthing... dont remember what.. with him and his parents that week... he's freaky, couldnt even ASK ME HIMSELF. I had stuff to do (thank god) and said no. HALLELUJAH!

Sorry, very offtopic.
My short answer: Yes.

[Milleh]

Hehe made me chuckle

Oh cool! Should be good fun then

Can't wait *bounces*

Thank yooooooooooooo

[MissMusic]

hehe! you'll have fun =]

[Milleh]

I really hope I do

I know the ins and outs of the theatre anyway so should be cool!

T'was gonna be (I'm so stupid but I've forgotten the name of it) the person who calls for the curtains, the lights, and the cast etc lol

Can't wait

[MissMusic]

[Eponine93]

Oooh, stage manager is kind of an interesting job for someone on their first backstage work. It's like the lead role of stage crew. Have fun but be mean! Every production needs a tough stage manager.

[Milleh]

[Ulla Dance Again!]

^ You're a stage manager, then.

Working backstage [especially if it's your first time] will definitely help you see the inner workings of a theatre. I sometimes think it's harder to work behind the scenes than in front of them! But it's a rewarding experience no matter how you slice it.

[Milleh]

Awesome

Can't wait

Dunno what I'm gonna be doing just yet but I gotta let her know which shows I wanna help in

*bounces* tis gonna be awesome

[christinadaae]

[Milleh]

Nah just a happy go lucky person!

When I'm happy I tend to bounce alot...lol

sorry