Stage crew: backstage heroes 

Olivia Solorzano '26

News Editor

As the bright red curtains part to the side, the viewers in the theater are mesmerized by the pretty costumes, the bright lights and the actors onstage, but what goes on offstage? Louisville High School’s beloved musicals, dramas and concerts all come together because of the backstage crew. From the lighting to the set, the magic onstage is only possible because of the people behind the closed curtains. 

There are tons of different jobs backstage that create magic onstage. Without people manning the lights, sounds, costumes and props, the show would not go on. Every year, Louisville puts on their fall drama, and this year’s is “Godspell”, which is about a series of parables being told on a New York subway. Our stage crew has been working incredibly hard to create a set inspired by the subways New York City is known for. 

Mr. Mailley, or more commonly known as Mr. Dan, is the director for Louisville’s upcoming musical. He comes up with ideas for costumes and designs for sets. 

“I wanted to create an environment where I could frame ‘Godspell’ in a way that made sense to me,” said Mr. Dan after being asked for his inspiration for the set.

The set will have two levels, an upper and a lower platform, to fully mimic that New York subway feel. With graffiti on the walls hand drawn and intricately painted by stage crew, the audience will be transported into the underground world of the Big Apple.

“My favorite thing about being on stage crew and working in theater craft (an after school club) is that it helps me further develop my creative abilities and problem solving skills,” said Joelle Vappie ’26.

One essential job manned by the people on stage crew is handling props. From simple things, such as a hat, to huge additions to the set that need to be rolled onstage, the people backstage make all that magic happen. Prop handlers keep the actors organized throughout their stress.

Another necessity in theater is lights and sound. Without sound, the production will not be understandable and the audience will be confused. Without lights, the actors onstage will not know what they are doing since they cannot see, and the audience will not know what is going on. 

“Theater craft teaches all kinds of skills to create events and make things work safely and smoothly. As far as theater is concerned, it’s an incredible way to make a giant painting with art, materials and people, and it moves!” expressed Mr. Dan.

Stage crew ensures that everything behind the curtain runs smoothly and like clockwork. They work tirelessly to make sure things go to plan, so that the actors can shine onstage. They play a vital role in bringing a production to life!