Starting on the first day of school, the Vista Ridge Theatre Department was in full fall show mode. With only one and a half months of preparation, actors tirelessly worked to develop their characters and stitch the production together. Alongside the actors, an often unrecognized group was just as dedicated to making the production the best it could be: the backstage crew. Students with roles ranging from stage managers to costume designers built the atmosphere, ensured the show ran smoothly, and fulfilled the vision of the 2024 production: “Peter and the Star Catcher.”
“Peter and the Starcatcher” tells the origin story of Peter Pan and his life before the classic tale we know and love. The play is tech-heavy due to its many cues, intricate set designs, and costumes. From long projects to 10-hour rehearsals, crew members spoke about their experience while working on the show.
“This year’s production is very technical. It has more light cues than any other fall show Vista Ridge has ever done,” sophomore Hendrix Keller said. “We’ve had to do a lot of run-throughs of specific scenes to get everything just right.”
As previously stated, running through the show required a lot of preparation to perfect. Members of the run crew worked on the fly rails, constantly practicing the timing for special effects, lifting the curtains, and more. The light crew worked tirelessly to master each angle and color to set the scene while the sound crew ensured every actor was heard. All of these components added difficulty to getting the show ready on time, but crew members’ dedication ensured each show had a smooth run.
“We are trying to show the characters’ identity through costumes familiar to the original story,” sophomore Jillian Reed said. “For example, in Peter’s costume, we show his classic persona through green clothing and tan shades.”
Members of the costume crew put a lot of care into creating each outfit to fit the character’s personality while adding details that hint at the original story. This task was one of the most time-consuming since every piece had to be tailored to each actor. The makeup and hair crew focused on creating detailed looks and hairdos to enhance each person’s expressions and qualities. Altogether, their contributions were essential to bring life to the characters on stage.
“I am a member of the house crew meaning my role is to manage and decorate the auditorium lobby,” sophomore Naina Goteti said. “Decorating is one of my favorite parts because it helps set the mood for the show and allows people to step into the world they are about to encounter.”
Although their role did not directly relate to the play, the house crew created an immersive experience for every audience member. When you walked into the auditorium, you immediately found yourself on the high seas boarding The Neverland, the story’s main setting. The crew greeted and helped everybody get settled with a welcoming smile.
“I love meeting new people in the crew and the audience,” Goteti said. “It’s fun being able to help anywhere I can.”
