Backstage at Young People’s Theater
EDITOR’S NOTE: Marge Newburn, serving as publicity director for the upcoming Young People’s Theater in July, offers a look at all of the behind- the- scenes tasks needed to make the show possible.
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE – Long before the talent arrives for the first rehearsal in July, sleeves were rolled up and the work began. Last year, creator, writer and director Pat Hightower collaborated with the producer, David Major, on this year’s Young People’s Theater.
Songs were chosen and the show began to take shape. JoNancy Sundburg polished the script. In December, announcements went out looking for 80 talented young people to submit their applications. In January, the applications were reviewed and sorted into piles based on age and qualifications. Hightower recorded the accomplishments and vocals for each musical number, and Phil Ellis produced two CDs for each successful applicant.
In addition to the CDs, rehearsal packets were distributed in early April. Each packet contained individual assignment sheets, plus lyrics and any speaking assignments. The young people were instructed to memorize their parts before coming to rehearsals.
The Hot Springs Village Players members swung into action. Set designers and decorators Beverly Carpenter and Maureen Geofrey worked their magic on creating a set that will be not only beautiful, but also functional, allowing easy access to entrances and exits.
Costumer Gail Burright and her staff started sewing costumes based on measurements taken from the applications. The finished costumes will then be hung on racks in the dressing rooms with each child’s name.
Each child will have a minimum of three costumes. Costumes will be adjusted when the children arrive. Ev Smith and her crew began gathering or making the props that are needed on stage for each song. Backstage, the props will be placed on tables in the order that they are needed to be carried on stage and handed to each child as needed. Ken Birjkoff and his team of carpenters have started set construction, and a few days before the performance they will put it on the stage.
While all that was going on, Major put on his “managerial skills hat” and coordinated the business end of the show, starting with the budget and ending with ticket sales. The fliers, posters, banner and tickets were designed and printed. JoAnn Major will head ticket sales in the box office.
When the talent arrives in July, they will be expected to know their songs by heart. Marlene Davis and her helpers will teach them the choreography. Those who have solo numbers will be coached by several vocalists headed by Carolyn Bodensteiner. Bev Bullard chairs a committee of group vocal coaches. Jack Larsen and Patsy Slezak will help the speakers polish their parts.
The cast members will be sorted into groups by age and gender and watched over by “backstage moms and dads.” The moms and dads will be responsible for making sure all the young people are where they need to be, when they need to be there and wearing the right costume. JoAnn Major, Kaye Stafford, Jackie Gullahorn, Frank Nilson, Herm Dobscha and Roger Cannell will be heading the moms and dads.
When the audience arrives, they will be treated to a wonderful lobby display by historian, Vern Martin, showing photographs of past performances and featuring several young people who have participated in two or more shows and “Where are they now?”
My miniatures will also be on exhibit in the display case. Sherry Phillips and her crew will cheerfully take tickets and hand audience members a program.
Stage Managers Kathy and Bill Jervis will be in charge of coordinating everybody and everything that happens once the curtain goes up and the show begins.
When the final curtain goes down, Ouida Wolfe and her crew will treat the cast to a party where everyone can just relax and relive their moment in the spotlight.