Lights, Camera, Action…do you ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes to produce a show?

Shawne Cryderman

Of course, you need a director, an assistant director, a stage manager, actors/actresses and….

Who are all those unsung heroes who don’t perform on stage but are definitely needed to put on a quality live community theatre show? The producer is someone who begins working on the production long before the curtain goes up. The producer or production team is responsible for all the parts of the show that take place in front of the footlights to include: obtaining royalties for use of the script, publicity, ticket sales, designing and printing the program, working with events chair/banquet manager and chef at each venue to coordinate the meal and actual performance schedule, basically overall management of everything that does not happen on stage. The publicity people, like our Ande Molberg, who tirelessly asks for details about the production so she can inform the public of what is happening with Community Circle Players. And Steve Weiss, our photographer, who takes countless photos such as black and white head shots for publicity and then action shots of dress rehearsals to use on our display boards. And the props person, Marjorie Hermann, who makes it her business to find just the right size, weight and color of a needed prop, keep it in working order and in the right location for each show. And sets – who makes and moves the sets into position? First the “flats” are constructed out of wood, with muslin as a canvas stretched over the frame to resemble a wall. The frame must be sturdy and be able to stand on its own without falling over. Our master builder, Cash Striplin, makes sure that our sets are secure and safe. And the décor which adorns the flat must enhance the play and help “set the scene.” Eve Fly (Walls of Wonder) is a master at looking at the setting of the show and then magically paints just the right scene to convey a location to the audience. Her able assistants Stan Fly, Linda Cutting, Arlynne Striplin and Ginny Robinson help by painting the background, allowing Eve to use her artistic ability to put just the right “touch” on her creation. There are also lighting and sound technicians, props managers, costumers, dressers, back stage helpers and various other “jobs” depending on the type of show being produced.

The Community Circle Players are individuals who come together as a team to produce quality live theatre productions for the enjoyment of our audiences in SaddleBrooke. Our next production will be a mystery dinner theatre to be produced in April at both the HOA One1 Vistas Dining Room and the HOA 2 MountainView Ballroom. Watch for further details coming next month!