by Muneerah B.

Created on: October 09, 2008   Last Updated: July 28, 2011

What is the first thing you do with the program book for a theatre performance? My guess is you run your fingers down the list of cast members, perhaps to give you a sense of what to expect on stage for the night.

Well theatre, of course, is not only about what you see on stage. A great amount of work goes on back and off stage that makes the show possible, which sadly are often underappreciated. To avoid that, we have to understand exactly what those titles in the other list do.

Beyond talent and creativity, it also takes organizational and co-ordination skills to put a theatre performance together. A trip backstage would bring you to discover the team work that's essential for the production. For instance, there are set designers who bring the otherwise empty stage to life with a team of technical professionals who work tirelessly to make the set both credible to the audience and safe for the cast.

The crew working on the technical aspects of sound, lights and special effects all play an equally important role in the making of a spectacular show. Audience may not realize that sometimes actors rely on these technicalities for their cues. Light and sound cues greatly guides through the production from start to end. Actors also depend on the wardrobe/ hair/ make-up departments who contribute to creating convincing characters. We certainly can't forget the production and stage management team who ensures all elements run smoothly. With their trusty cans, they make sure that actors are on standby for their cues (and holding the right props) and attend to any unexpected situations that surface during the performance. Don't be surprised if they had a hand in making / sourcing for the props too.

Even before you got to your seat, the unsung theatre practitioners came in the form of the Front-of-House (FOH) staff who welcomed you into the space. In some theatre companies, FOH plays a big part in getting funds through donations and sale of program books. Often doubling as publicity personnel, they are also likely to try and get your contact details to stay in touch with you for future performances and events.

Coming from someone one who has performed most of the roles mentioned and is used to staying in the dark with my (completely) black outfit and maglite, I secretly seek comfort in knowing that my name is printed in the program. Those 9 letters of the alphabet are all I need to justify my contribution to making the production possible. Do take the time to glance through the list of crew members the next time you get a program book at the theatre.

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