Educational Stardom

Educational Stardom Backstage Views of the future of entertainment

For most students, their day is over when the last class ends. But for Performing Arts majors, they are only halfway done... they have homework, yes, but also rehearsals, set building, or production meetings, as they work towards that semester's show. The show, which this fall is Damn Yankees, is where the hours upon hours of training are seen and appreciated, and skills are put into practice. However, it also means that days are extended to 11:00 PM, and professors and students alike are juggling academics with show responsibilities.

Juniors GraceAnn Kontak, Stephanie Ainsworth, and Travis Flynt, as well as the rest of the cast and crew, find any slice of time between their scenes to run to a hallway or dressing room and do their homework. Many members of the cast are also in the midst of taking MT Literature, one of the most difficult courses in their major.

The well-organized costume shop is constantly busy during dress rehearsal week.

Jack Smith, the Head Costume Designer, not only designs every costume, but makes many them by hand, with the help of Heidi Scheiner. They are simultaneously training several first-years (who are completing their mandatory crew assignment) on how to sew, iron, and run costumes for a show.

Many students do not get the recognition of having their faces seen on the stage, but are integral to keeping the performance running smoothly. These unsung heroes live in the wings, while also putting in the same laborious hours.

Stage Manager Sydnie Rogers keeps an eye on the performers during a dress rehearsal. She communicates with people in the sound and lighting booths behind the audience, spotlight operators on the catwalk, and crew members on the opposite side of the stage. Her notebook holds academic class notes next to show cues.

Scenery for the show is in construction even as rehearsals move to the stage. TDT majors and professors are hard at work almost as soon as classes end, finishing building the world of Damn Yankees.

A Technical Design and Theater major paints scenery.

The sink in the paint shop, a "sacred space."

Senior Avery Hunt sits as they deftly juggle the show order, calling the performers, and directing first-year crew members. They have worked on a show every year since they were a Freshman.

What the audience doesn't see... to the left are the rope lines that lower and raise scenery, and to the right is the back of the wings, where the performers wait for their entrances.

First-year crew members Kelsey and Brooks are six hours into Damn Yankees's "ten out of twelve," and have been allowed to briefly pull out their phones during a break.

Daniel Brackett and Madeline Hudelson are rehearsing "Who's Got the Pain," one of the big dance numbers. Their fellow castmates, GraceAnn Kontak and Timothy Brausch, tried to make them laugh in every rehearsal by mimicking them out of the audience's sight.

Senior Musical Theater major Tara Willey, who is co-cast as Applegate, one of the lead roles.

Tara is a true triple threat: She sings like an angel, is a magnetic dancer, and an incredible actress. Not only that, but she is a wonderful person; hardworking, sweet, and always has a kind word to say. She is also a writer, and when asked about her experience with Damn Yankees, she gave this answer...

"Damn Yankees has been such a beautiful growing experience. The process has been full of self-discovery, team work, gratitude, and risk taking. I feel so honored to have worked alongside the most inspiring peers and friends, with the guidance of incredible mentors. Being in the Fall musical really teaches you how to manage your time, and how to find balance between the show, school work, and mental health. It’s a very valuable experience for the real world, especially in this profession"

Waiting for an entrance during the final dress rehearsal.

Damn Yankees runs from October 31 to November 2, and showcases the talent of the next generation of singers, dancers, stage managers, costumers, carpenters, designers, and many more. Not only are they already participating in professional and semi-professional work, but they are juggling their academic workload with grace and perseverance.

Appreciate