Co-Stage Manager – Iriana Cotto
Cotto shares the position of stage managing with Avery Harriger. The manager coordinates crucial details of the production and oversees the stage crew.
When the musical begins, stage managers take attendance, pass out and organize contracts, and find all the props for the show.
“We set up cues for actions while the actors are out on stage. We are the ones cueing the lights and making sure their mics are on,” Cotto said.
Having all of these details rest on the stage managers requires well developed organization and communicative skills.
“I really like the organization of stage managing and how much of a help it is. It is a big responsibility and I like being counted on for that,” Cotto said.
Such large responsibilities have helped Cotto come out of her shell and meet new people. Stage managing has also helped her learn to listen when needed but also take control as a leader.
“You do have to take authority and keep people in line, while also stepping back and taking your place, because there is an official director,” Cotto said.
Lead Role: Sandy – Savannah Scheid
Theater has always been a part of Scheid’s life. Inspiration from her mother and grandmother fed Scheid’s ambitions to pursue theater.
“I can’t imagine my life without it, singing keeps me going,” Scheid said.
As the lead, Scheid has to memorize a copious amount of lines and songs, all while getting to know who Sandy truly is.
Scheid still feels nervous about making her performance as perfect as possible, especially since she is the female lead.
“I do get nervous when I get on stage and perform, what if I don’t sing this the right way or my voice cracks,” Scheid said. “But then I think just breathe and embrace yourself as the character.”
Costume designers – Ms. VK and Ms. Robinaugh
Joan VanderKlok and Sue Robinaugh have been with the theater department for 20 and five years, respectively.
These two ladies create all the costumes for the theater productions throughout the year. Learning and perfecting the art of costume design has taken time and commitment for both these creative women.
“Experience is key, that is why I did four years of volunteer work [at local theaters],” VanderKlok said.
Designing the costumes for the musical takes time, patience, and flexibility since there are many fittings and adjustments.
“Prep work involves getting to know the script, evaluating and charting what costumes are needed, taking measurements of cast members, and then pulling costumes from our storage that might work, or creating a new garment if needed,” Robinaugh said.
For “Grease” in particular, the costumes are essential to bringing the cast and the audience to a different era.
“We wanted to be sure the costumes were as authentic as possible for the time period,” VanderKlok said.
Director – Malia Huffman
Huffman has been working to put on productions at the high school for two years.
“The most important role of a director is the ability to take a play/musical and portray it as honestly as possible,” Huffman said.
As the director, Huffman builds sets, creates her vision, fundraises and constructs a show worthy to watch.
“‘Grease’ is a classic story of friendship, awkward moments, first loves, and don’t forget that awesome sound of 1950’s Rock ‘n Roll!” Huffman said.
