Behind the scenes: spotlight on tech crew

When the curtains open and the props and sets are finally displayed, they cast may be performing, but behind the scenes, there are a group of students responsible for making everything run smoothly. The tech crew’s contribution to EA’s play, The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, the much-anticipated reenactment of an already famous folktale, makes the play a truly exceptional experience. Their unique approach to this year’s production also led to a stronger bond between the crew members.

A new system of leadership was implemented to help organize themselves during tech week. Fraser Wein ’27 states, “I’ve noticed there are a lot of moving parts.” The tech crew holds significantly more members this year and thus more responsibility. Wein also shouts out Elizabeth Mann ’28 for relegating these responsibilities, saying, “Elizabeth is so coordinated and very good at organizing other people.” 

Mann went into great detail about the new leadership system for Tech Week. She explains that the leadership team was split into four distinct roles: Deck Chief, Props Manager, Scenic Charge, and Lighting. Mann helps change the lights at important moments in the show, and uses gobos, a pattern-like film for lights, and a program during the play. “During the show, you have the program open, and you go from one lighting queue to the next,” she explains. This system helps her control the lighting better and allows for smoother transitions in between scenes, creating a better show overall.

This year, the tech crew had more underclassmen than previous years, but this doesn’t take away from their helpfulness and involvement in their respective roles. Grayson Goens ’29 talks about his role. “I’m in the building crew under Max Guo,” he says, “We build the set, put it on the stage, and make sure no one gets hurt.” Goens notes that one of the building crew’s main roles is to ensure that the props they have built properly support the cast members’ needs.

Goens also explains what made him choose the EA tech crew. “I saw an Episcopal play and musical, and I wanted to be part of the people who help make that happen,” Goens explains. He was inspired by the performance of previous EA theatrical pieces and was determined to make himself a part of that team, bringing his own talents and work ethic to the table. 

The tech crew has designed days when they rehearse alongside the crew members. Technical Director and Theater Manager Daniel Grayberg explains the process of designer runs, saying they are “when we get to watch the show without any tech elements or anything like that.” This allows the tech crew to gather a general overview of the play and understand where their input is required. The designer runs lead into production week, which, as Grayberg explains, “is when we are going to be implementing what the stage crew does with the cast.” This allows the tech crew to figure out where things are and when they need to be used live to stay on track with the script.

In addition to the heavy preparation, Grayberg describes his gratification for what the tech has accomplished. “I’m really proud of their ability to take a challenge and take it on as their own.” He explains that the tech crew often identifies issues and problem solves rather than avoiding challenges. Grayberg and Theatre Department Chair Daniel Clay provide a basis as to how things must be done; however, Grayberg says, “[The student tech crew] gets to fill in a lot of the details.” Both the faculty and students on tech crew working cohesively as a unit allow for the outstanding production of many EA plays.

With the level of focus displayed by the tech crew in all aspects of the production, Robin Hood is surely one of EA’s most comprehensive production pieces. The tech crew as a whole was excited to see the result of the play. Ellie Dupre ’30 describes her excitement for the production, “It’s the simple story of Robin Hood, but more in-depth and has a lot of jokes.” Grayberg says, “I’m excited to [showcase] the fun chaos that we get to bring as the tech crew. This [play] has got a lot more action and things going on.”