Shedding Light on Theater Production Behind the Scenes

Live theatre is inherently risky, with technical, human and mechanical issues looming around every corner. But what about Mother Nature?

“Originally, the plan was for me to learn (the light board) during tech week and cue to cue we were going to have, but that just so happened to fall on the week of the massive snowstorm, forcing us to expedite the process,” AACC physics major Jack Stanley said.  

The production commanding Stanley’s attention was “Rent,” a partnership between AACC's Theater department and Compass Rose Theater. Stanley had been involved with theatre in high school, but this experience took things to the next level.

When the lighting designer had to step aside for another commitment, the remaining problems were left to Stanley, Director Stephan Emery and Theater department Chair Sean Urbantke to resolve.

“This was especially difficult given the little to no experience with the board and with lighting design as a whole on my end, but we persevered regardless!” Stanley said.

Persevere they did. “Rent” ran from Feb. 6 to March 8 to mostly sold-out audiences and strong reviews.

“It was definitely rough on some days to go from the high-intensity workdays that any theatre gives to my morning classes.”

Despite the demanding schedule, Stanley stayed on top of his classes and gained valuable insight about collaboration and communication.

“I found that in working with an outside group, many different visions ranging from students to actors to directors and even technical directors can all come together and, at some times, clash. I found there to be plenty of instances of having to determine which route or which course of action is the best in a given situation.”

If you are a student interested in participating in one of AACC’s theatre productions, on stage or behind the scenes, email AACC Assistant Professor Urbantke at sjurbantke@aacc.edu.