BEHIND SCENES THE

Backstage At The Winter Musical

As the audience at this year’s Winter Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, experienced all the magic happening on stage, a highly choregraphed and well-rehearsed production was transpiring behind the scenes. Thanks to talented faculty and highly trained students, the costumes, makeup, lighting, sound, and puppetry brought a dazzling display on stage for three rousing performances. Peek behind the curtain to see how a show comes to life.

Photographs By Courtney Cania

Out Of The Spotlight

Dora Chang ’24 served as a runner for the show, helping with costume changes for the role of Audrey II. During performances she would wait at the edge of the curtain for entrances and exits. “I was very nervous because I only had 30 seconds for a change and there was one time, I didn’t get it done. I like watching the scenes but it’s important I stay out of the way.”

IN THEIR SHOES

Far left: Eva Kelly ’23 helps Pip Keen ’24 on the final touches of their costume change between scenes. Kelly and Keen practiced by setting a timer for two minutes to complete a full costume, makeup, and wig change. “It’s very stressful, but the adrenaline keeps you going. The actors are stressed out, so you have to keep calm,” says Kelly.

Cast Of Characters

Natalia Mitura ’26 jokes with theater tech members Oakley McInnis ’24 and Blythe Adams ’26 backstage. “I thought it would be good to help them feel a little less stressed,” she says of her lighthearted time between scenes.

Pit Crew

Acting has been a part of the KUA experience for Sam Liu ’23, but this year he opted to play violin in the pit. “It’s way more fun, because without the pit there’d be no music. It gives me the sense we are supporting the entire show even though we don’t appear on stage.”

Costume Design

Christine Britton designed and managed costume and makeup for the show, including 157 costume changes. For Little Shop of Horrors she sourced 71 pairs of shoes and 17 wigs—the most she's ever done for a show.

Common Thread

The Urchins—Crystal, Ronnette, and Chiffon— help narrate the action in the style of a “Greek chorus.” The trio went through 13 costume changes each throughout the show.

Good Grief

Luchik Belau-Lorberg ’24, who played Mr. Mushnik, writes notes on the Grief Sheet—a list of costume items in need of repair.

“The final thing I do each night is check the Grief Sheet, grab anything else that needs work, and head home for the night,” says Britton. “I might leave some simple things for students to do, such as buttons or snaps, if I think they will have time the next afternoon.”