Every theatre kid knows that moment: When the curtain goes up, the lights go black, and a hush falls across the audience. The actors fix their hair one last time and take a deep breath, waiting for their moment to burst on stage and into the spotlight. The adrenaline is tangible, and so many actors and actresses have fallen in love with the rush of performing. Some of us, a small population of us, have fallen in love with a whole different side of theatre. For me, and for others like me, behind the curtain is home.
Technical theatre is hard, thankless work. Techs will never get our moment in the spotlight or our bow in front of the roaring applause. I would be lying if I said I didn't threaten to quit a time or two, or that there were nights that I came home long after hours feeling deeply unappreciated. Ultimately, technical theatre is a sacrifice. We sacrifice all our time and the glory to do what we love. If we do our jobs right, the audience will never know we exist. The changing lights, the flawless sound, the elaborate set, the stunning makeup is all part of the magic of theatre, and we are the magicians.
As much as I have put into tech, it has put even more in to me. I made my best friends backstage, forming unbreakable bonds as the show ran. For the first time in my life, I began to walk around knowing that I was really good at something. I got to see the hidden side of everything from scenic design to to lighting to sound systems. No matter how you end up in tech, whether it has been your passion for years, or you are mourning a role you did not get, or even by complete mistake, you are welcome here.
Actors and actresses are unbelievably talented, fearless people. Without them, there would be no show. But without us, there would be no good show. Theatre technicians are the few and the dedicated. When it comes to fame, we will step back and let you shine. But when you need your spotlight, or your mic, or your makeup done, I hope by now you know where to find us.
Us techs, we will be backstage.
