My name is Riley and I’m in charge of props for “The Crucible.” I’m not very involved in the actual building of the set, but Stage Crew is working on making a rope curtain that’s gonna go all the way around the stage. We’re also building more normal and reasonable things like tables and benches.
My favorite part of working on props is getting to make things, and see the actors using them to really bring the show to life. Currently, I’m making a poppet, a cloth doll. It was really fun because I had to learn how to sew! The most difficult part is figuring out which props belong to which actors, especially since I don’t know most of the freshmen yet.
Stage crew is often overlooked but we’re just as important as the actors. Without a good set, lighting, sound, props, and costumes, the show would be empty. Also, I get to tell my actor friends what to do sometimes.
I have a funny story from “The Crucible.” One of the actors has shackles in the show, so I had to chain up my friend to figure out how to put them all together. And if you’ve never seen a full set of shackles, that’s a LOT of chains for one person. It was a really ridiculous image.
What’s one thing that is different in this production than anything else we’ve done in the Homestead Theatre Department?
I think the message of this show is stronger and more relevant than anything I’ve seen at Homestead before.
Anything else you want to talk about?
If you’re thinking about joining the stage crew, do it! We’re super cool and fun and we have snacks. 🙂
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