The theatre department of North Atlanta High School is hard to ignore. The first runner-ups at this year’s One Act competition, the department is full of talent on and off the stage. This spring’s musical – which will take place in March – will be “Legally Blonde.” Front and center for this production will be the talented actors. But —  while the actors are in the spotlight — behind the scenes are those indispensable to the production. The North Atlanta Theater Tech crew is a crucial piece of the puzzle in every production put out by the theater department, yet many don’t know everything they do. 

To understand exactly what members of the tech crew do, it’s important to first understand their jobs which can be split into a few large sections: costumes, set building, and lights and sound.

The main mind behind costuming at NAHS is senior Rio Raab. She has always had a passion for theater and a unique sense of fashion, making her the perfect person for the job. Every piece of clothing and prop on stage at any production is hand-picked by her with the help of the costuming team. Finding the perfect piece for each scene takes a deep understanding of mood and how fashion can invoke certain feelings. “I love how we can change the whole vibe of the scene with a single piece of clothing,” Raab said.

Another hands-on department with a crucial job is set building. Senior Alden Krause — set building and stage managing professional — believes the importance of sets goes beyond being a backdrop for a story. If done correctly, a well-done set can transport the audience into the story. This hands-on stagecraft keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and leaves them wanting more. While it is a very labor-intensive process punctuated by many splinters for those performing it, Krause loves the job. “It definitely is my biggest source of stress,” Krause said, “but it is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”

When walking into the lighting booth, it’s easy for many to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of buttons and switches. While most shy away from the task, senior Grady Bartlett loves the challenge. He has always been somewhat of a tech wizard who now uses his talents to keep the theater department running smoothly. Every button and switch is a new opportunity for Bartlett to create an entirely new atmosphere onstage. When asked how he does it, he says “I just love it, I don’t understand why anyone would pass up this opportunity.”

Those who run the school’s theater department say that they can’t praise enough those who work behind the scenes to make productions run smoothly. Liane Lemaster — who will be the musical’s director — says the tech crew are the true backbone of any successful show. “The show simply does not go on without these dedicated and talented individuals,” she said. “Trust me: After the show is over, all of us give them lengthy standing ovations.”  

While applauding the talented actors, dancers, and vocalists onstage, many people forget about the vast amount of work that goes into getting them there. Next time the lights change or a costume makes you hold your breath, the theater tech crew wants you to remember the work that goes into this amazing show of talent.