Behind the bright lights: why the work backstage is worth it
The theater hums with anticipation. The house lights dim, and a hush falls over the audience. In the booth, fingers hover over buttons, ready to bring the show to life. The lights go up on stage and the first notes of the overture swell through the speakers, setting the stage for the magic to unfold. This is the moment we’ve been working toward — the culmination of weeks of programming, rehearsals, and fine-tuning every sound effect and cue.
Being on the sound crew for our school’s productions is an often overlooked but incredibly fulfilling experience. Sound and projection play a crucial role in bringing productions to life, and while the process can be challenging, the final result is always worth it.
My journey in tech theater began last year during my sophomore year with running backstage mics for “The Little Mermaid,” then calling cues and playing sound effects for “The Outsiders.” This year, I took the role of soundboard operator for “Les Misérables,” and most recently, “They Promised Her The Moon.”
Each production has taught me something new about sound design, teamwork, and the immense effort it takes to put on a successful show. My involvement in theatre even led me to get a job at the Center for the Arts, further deepening my appreciation and understanding of the importance of sound technicians.
The theatre community is an inviting and supportive space where I’ve met so many amazing people and I love supporting the actors the way that we do. However, being in the booth can sometimes feel isolating.
Unlike actors who constantly interact on and off stage, we work behind the scenes, away from the social hub of rehearsals, and even away from other crew members backstage. It can be easy to feel left out, but having remarkable people to work with on the sound team and witnessing a production come together makes every long night and stressful moment worth it.
There is something incredible about watching all the pieces fall into place — actors delivering their lines, lights setting the mood, projections adding depth, and sound creating an immersive experience.
All of it is a meticulous process, but the payoff is indescribable. The audience’s laughter, gasps, or the silence in a tense moment remind me why I continue to do this. Even though the people on crew aren’t the center of attention like the actors, the reactions we help elicit make all the work meaningful.
Despite the inevitable stress and overwhelming moments, I always look back on each production with pride. It’s hard to believe that next year will be my last year in this role when it feels like I’m just getting started.
The talent within our theatre program is astounding, and being a part of its crew behind it is an amazing feeling. While the audience may not see us, they can certainly hear our work, and that is enough to make every moment behind the soundboard worth it.