Students working sound soundboard

Crew

Build it. Run it. Make it happen.

Before the curtain rises, crew is already at work.

Students shape what the audience sees and hears, then keep the production moving from the first cue to the final blackout.

How to Join

Crew applications open around the same time as auditions. Tell us which areas interest you, and the production team will build crews around the needs of the show.

Apply

Complete the crew application and rank the areas you would most like to work in. Current applications are available online and outside room 129.

Get Your Assignment

The production team considers your preferences along with the needs of the show. You may receive your first choice or another role where the team needs help.

Join the Production

Crew members become part of the production early in the process. Depending on your assignment, you may attend rehearsals, work days, technical rehearsals and performances.

Student fixing hair of another student

Find Your Place Backstage

Not everyone wants the same kind of job, and that is exactly what a production needs.

Some students like solving technical problems. Others like organizing people, working with costumes, keeping track of props or making scene changes happen at exactly the right moment.

You do not have to be the person in the spotlight to have an important role in the show.

Once You Join a Crew

Joining a crew means becoming part of the production team. What you do and when you're needed will depend on your assignment.

Know Your Schedule

Crew schedules vary by role. Some crews work throughout rehearsals, while others become busiest during tech week and performances.

Communicate

Pay attention to schedules and instructions, and let your crew lead or production team know about unavoidable conflicts as early as possible.

Be Ready to Work

Crew members help solve problems, support one another and keep the production moving. Technical rehearsals and performances require everyone to be prepared and dependable.

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Students can learn a lot by working alongside more experienced crew members and production staff. Some positions require more experience or specific skills, but there are plenty of ways for new students to get involved.

It depends on your crew assignment.

Some crews work throughout the rehearsal process, while others become more active during work days, tech week and performances. Your crew lead or production team will let you know when you are expected to attend.

Wear clothing that lets you move safely and comfortably while you work.

During performances, backstage crew members may be asked to wear black so they are less visible to the audience.

Your crew lead will let you know about any role-specific clothing or footwear requirements.

The Production Handbook gives the following guidance for preparing for performances and cleaning up:

  • Sign yourself in and out when you arrive and leave; do not sign in for someone else.
  • After signing in, begin your assigned crew tasks so scenery, props and costumes are ready before the audience enters.
  • Keep belongings out of aisles and walkways.
  • Complete your crew's cleanup and reset work so equipment and materials are ready for the next performance.
  • All cast and crew help strike the set on closing night. Ask for help if you do not know how to use a tool or where something belongs.

The Production Handbook contains the detailed crew procedures and reference information.

Interested in Performing?

Want to take part onstage instead? Learn what to expect at an audition and what comes with joining the cast.