by K Martin

Created on: December 07, 2008

Well-known within the theatre world is the feud between the actors and the "techies". Everyone who works in theatre seems to acknowledge the rift between those who work beneath the bright lights and those who dance through the shadows. It often seems that the two groups will never learn to peacefully acknowledge that they are both crucial to the success of a production. Both groups have their merits, and their shortcomings.

However, the main source of dissent from the techies tends to stem from the fact that they feel grossly underappreciated-and rightfully so. While the actors take their bows at the end of each show, and enjoy floods of congratulations and admiration, the techies lurk in the shadows, often getting acknowledged only by other techies-those aspiring to join them in the realm of darkness and those already there beside them-if at all. Can you blame them for begrudging the actors their spotlights?

On the other hand, I believe it to be merely a misunderstanding that so separates the actors from the techies. I have worked backstage multiple times, in many different fields. I have also acted multiple times, so I understand both sides of the spectrum. And it really doesn't have to be such a competitive environment. I've worked with actors who insisted on introducing me to their admirers. Actors who praised me and my coworkers with an even greater reverence than they did themselves or their fellows. The important part is realizing that we all work together, and all of our accomplishments are crucial to producing a successful show. Without actors, there would be no lines to listen to, nor action to follow; without techies, the audience would be unable to hear or see them.

Technical theatre is a more subtle art than acting. People who are not so knowledgeable of the theatrical process are often oblivious to the numerous subtle ways in which the designers have enhanced what the actors are doing. A slight shift of the lighting can establish the correct mood, but most would never know that unless the wrong tone was set in such a way that distracted the audience from the action at hand. More often than not, what attracts the common person's attention to the techies is their mistakes. Most do not pay any mind to the technical aspects at work until they noticeably misstep. By this logic, the only feedback that reaches the techies is negative.

So yes, techies can be a little defensive about their role in the creative process, but rightfully so. Their job is pressurized in the sense that they must be flawless. If they aren't, the audience will notice and become distracted. But even if they are without flaws, the audience will just go on adoring the actors and ignoring the crews behind it. How happy would you be if your best case scenario involved being entirely ignored?

It may be most crucial for the actors to show their techies some love, but that doesn't mean the audience has no impact. Next time you attend a play, seek out one of the people dressed in black from head to toe, smiling politely while lurking in the shadows, just off to the side. Make a point to let them know that you appreciate their role in the creative process. They will appreciate the thought behind your words, and it will ease the rift a little more. With enough effort from enough sources, we may be able to bridge the gap, and eliminate some of the extra drama in the dramatic arts.

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