Most people know that putting on a show takes time and effort for the actors and directors. But backstage, many people work behind the scenes to make the show come to life. One of these groups is the build crew. Build crew is a backstage crew that focuses on designing, building and painting the sets for MTPA shows at MTHS.
“It’s really fun to see the whole set come alive when the show starts,” said Gwenn Galido, one of the crew leaders.
They meet Monday through Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the wood shop. The club is open to everyone. There is no experience required, as all skills are taught.
“I came in knowing nothing,” said sophomore Ella Misel, a member of the crew.
If you are interested in creating a set from scratch, painting or want to get backstage experience, this crew might be for you.
For the first few weeks, members of the build crew spend their time building the base of the sets, whether that’s from wood they have to cut or pre-made set pieces from previous years. Crew head Victoria Stauffer said that they “have to get a lot of the platforms down” first, and that if they need to make “a wall, [they] have to make a platform for that.” Over the following weeks, they paint the sets and move them out onto the auditorium stage. Finally, they watch rehearsals with the cast using the sets so they know what to fix.
For anyone interested in joining the crew for the spring musical, here are some tips and tricks.
No. 1: bring ear protection (especially if you are sensitive to louder sounds). Build Crew does tend to get noisy due to the power tools, so make sure you protect your ears.
No. 2: Since the club meetings run from 5-8 p.m., eating dinner can be difficult. However, it is so much easier to work with a full stomach. Make sure you are eating before you leave or bringing a snack to eat during meetings.
No. 3: Manage your time. Galido said that if anyone wants to join the crew they should “be good with their time management.” Time management is important to make sure your grades don’t drop. Misel said that build crew is “definitely a commitment,” so it is crucial that you are able to manage your time effectively.
No. 4: Ask questions. Everyone there is happy to help you learn how to do something. Whether you need to know how to use a tool, or you just need some extra information on a topic, people there are ready to help.
All in all, Build Crew is an amazing community to be a part of. Whether you excel at painting or enjoy building with wood, this crew offers something for everyone. If you find yourself interested in becoming a member of Build Crew (or any other), be sure to come to the spring musical kick-off meeting later this year.
