Backstage Crew – General Information

The backbone of the Music Club is, in part, made up of the backstage crew. Their actions go unnoticed (when everything goes properly!), but without these people, no production would ever take place. Many individuals work behind the stage before, during, and after each production to ensure that it takes place properly. The people who handle all the backstage work often aren't applauded for their work, but they are vital to every show that takes place on our stage.

Below are short descriptions of the basic backstage functions. Want to become involved with one of these groups? We'd love your help. Contact, George Barilla 623-398-5165 or email at support@granddrama.com) if you would like more information or to become involved.

Lighting design (Contact: Bob Nix 623-218-8280) helps to create the environment in which the action takes place while supporting the style of the piece. We have acquired new equipment (robotic and LED lights) which makes it possible to achieve very fine and interesting effects on our stage.

Stage lighting has several functions:

• Illuminating what is occurring on stage.
• Altering the perception of shapes onstage, particularly three-dimensional stage elements.
• Directing the audience's attention to an area of the stage or distracting them from another.
• Setting the tone of a song or musical number.
• Establishing or altering position in time and space. For example, blues can suggest nighttime while orange or red can suggest a sunrise or sunset.
• Projecting text or graphics.
• A lighting event may trigger or advance the action onstage.
• Lighting may be used to show only the areas of the stage which should be seen and to "paint a picture."

Sound technicians (Contact: Larry Dirkson 623-594-2553) Tune the sound system for the best use for a given production using various methods including equalization, delay, volume, and speaker and microphone placement. In conjunction with the director and/or musical director, they also determine the use and placement of microphones for actors and musicians. A sound technician makes sure that the performance can be heard and understood by everyone in the audience, no matter how large the room, and that the performers can hear everything they need to in order to do their job.

It is also sometimes necessary to locate and prepare "canned" sounds (whistles, birds, thunder) that can be played as required during a show. Preparation of the musical tracks for use with many numbers is a large but absolutely necessary job that ensures the production will be successful.