Beyond the Stage

By Chase Godfrey Staff Writer

It’s that time of the year again East Central, where the school preps the stage, hits the lights and gets ready to land on center stage, to show off their talents and hard work. Students and faculty down in the theater department, start prepping for the long-awaited play this year, The Lighting Thief: Percy Jackson the Musical.  

Here there are two students, who play major roles in setting up this year’s musical. Jovie Garner, a 20-year sophomore at East Central who is majoring in theater. Her plan after graduating is to work for local theater productions. When speaking with Jovie she, expressed that when practicing and constructing you have to be on your feet all times. 

Jovie indicated that in her role as a stage manager, she must make sure everything runs smoothly. She conveyed “I also must be ready, for any questions or accident’s that happen… I am always ready when someone needs mic tape, when a prop breaks, or someone needs a band aid etc…”  Making sure everyone else is show ready means that she is show ready herself.  

As for the second student Addi Klophaus, a 19-year-old sophomore at East Central who is majoring in either History or Theatre. Revealed as well, that safety and inclusivity is the something that she strives for when setting up and rehearsing this play. she exhibited “The most difficult part or putting on a play this big is, making sure that everyone feels that they get rehearsal time… some tend to feel overshadowed, and we do not want that.” She personally wants everyone to feel as if they belong there at rehearsal, as well as everyone feeling comfortable with their parts and jobs that are required of them.  

 The easiest part of prepping for this play is nuance and physical setting up. Addi stated that fixing little tweaks throughout the rehearsal as well as the nuance is super easy, she signified “Little things really add nuance to the play, the nuances are always awesome to see, and I love it.” Addi expressed that when the actors hit the nuances on point, she feels the embodiment of that character and makes it look more believable.  

Additionally, Jovie expressed the same traits as well, she says that setting up the stage is surprisingly easy. She pointed out, “Moving things, knowing where they need to go…it’s pretty simple after you rehearse it so many times.” She talked about how after a while she can produce strategies, to quickly get props in places and innovative new ideas for them also.  

Lastly, they illustrated their favorite parts of rehearsing, and what to expect and takeaway from this show. First off, they both were so happy and appreciative to be a part of this production. They heavily expressed that they have grown closer with their classmates and peers. Revealing that they feel as if they are all one big family and are super excited to see the outcome of this play.  

Addi remarks that interacting with the actors and actress, on and off stage is always super cool. “We always have a great cast, this time is no different, it is like we are a big family we always have a good time.” Addi said that time spent in rehearsals is always the most memorable; she also said she expects feelings of impertinence and presumptuousness throughout the play. 

Jovie specifically stated that one of her favorite movements behind scenes, “is the part in the play when toilet paper is shooting in, Fiona Martins (Clarisse) face, I think we both have had fun with that a little bit.”  Jovie conveyed that she would miss the times of seeing the musical come to life before it debuts. She pointed out what to expect when watching this, to feel the uplifting aura the show is and that. It is a very emotional show that will have on your toes the whole time.  

Overall, there is a lot more that goes into the making of a play and musical, especially one as big as this play. These students all have vital roles to play, and when they come together and bring it to the stage. Nothing can dim the light that shines fourth on them and knowing to give a hundred percent on and off the stage, for the best performance to be produced.