Dear Performers,
I love you guys. Seriously. Not everyone has the kohonas to get up on stage, strut their stuff, and be brave enough to risk making a fool of oneself on stage. It’s great! It’s fantastic! Besides, unless it’s a really big mess-up, no one will even notice if you broke on 5 and it’s an On2 routine that one time. Maybe Eddie Torres will if he’s in the audience, but I’m sure he’s done it before and won’t really care either.
But lets consider one other thought: aside from your lovely, talented, beautiful group on stage, take a moment to think of the other backstage people involved in getting everyone on stage, on time.
There are a few very important people it doesn’t hurt to remember. Or thank. Thanking them is really great.
1. The MC:
They’re filling the stage in those in-between bits while that one performer in the next group suddenly had a wardrobe malfunction so they need extra time. If you’re fortunate to have a good MC, they can seamlessly cover up any of the backstage issues in the eyes of the audience. Jokes, mentioning sponsors or other events coming up, or introducing judges during a competition.
They’re a performer in their own right. Like any performer, they welcome being sincerely told how great a job they did. Being fortunate enough to have a great MC is something to cherish!
2. The Stage Sweeper:
Sometimes it’s the stage manager, sometimes it’s the MC. Sometimes, it’s someone who otherwise just seems to hang around. Whatever it is, they’ve given up sitting in the audience and relaxing to watch the show in order to make sure no one breaks an ankle. They make it so much easier for us to wear those crazy, feathered, sequined, sparkly, flowery outfits that you just know are going to shed everywhere on that one lift you do. Or, if you’re the next group, feel more secure knowing that all those crazy chunks of fluff all over the stage won’t be underfoot during that really fast shine.
We don’t need to worry about those hazards. We know the sweeper will be there to brush away all those problems (pardon the pun)!
3. The DJ:
Of all the people making your show happen, the DJ has the biggest impact on your actual performance. Music is a huge part of the performance, and they (obviously) control it.
Of course, they’re not just your group’s personal DJ. They’re responsible for everyone’s music; sometimes over the whole festival. So please, make it easy on them. There’s nothing worse than being handed a CD ten minutes before the performance, finding it doesn’t work, and frantically trying to download off of the internet on a really bad internet connection.
4. The Stage Managers:
This is probably one of the most widely under-appreciated positions in both the theatre and dance performance worlds. It’s a huge role, and it’s a stressful one. They’re co-ordinating performers, tech rehearsals, helping the DJ, posting lists, timing entrances and exits, troubleshooting last minute problems, and more.
It’s also important to remember that they have the responsibility of making everything run on time. They’re also the person who sometimes has to say “no” to a request even if they really don’t want to. And, if everything is in chaos, they won’t always have the time or patience to be the most considerate, friendly person you’ve ever met. (If they do, you have an angel for a stage manager and should probably profess undying love to them).
Think of it this way: They have to make all the last minute calls, handle all the complaints, and deal with all the problems that will eventually turn into that awesome show you were a part of that everyone is complimenting for the rest of the night… and most of the time no one will know who they are.
***
So that’s it. The list of four people backstage (or in the DJ booth) whom it never hurts to thank. I may not have experience backstage in all those areas, but I will never forget one time that I was stage managing and running around like a crazy, possessed chicken and a performer said to me “Wow. You look really stressed, but I just want you to know I think you’re doing a great job!”
“Great Job”.
It made a huge impact on the rest of my night and time as a stage manager. As much as the job description is to hopefully not be noticed, the support of you guys – the performers – is huge. The same way that performers need backstage people for support, backstage workers need the appreciation and co-operation of the stars of the night: all of you.
Sincerely,
S. Q.