LIGHTS AND SOUND

From a shining spotlight to a spooky glow, lighting is integral in setting the mood onstage. According to Lights Crew Co-Chief Lexie Vogt ’24, the nuance of lighting is sometimes overlooked.

“People might not realize that all the light isn’t just bright white. There’s always a color,” Vogt said. These colors, along with factors like intensity and location, influence how the audience perceives a scene.

“You don’t realize how much of the emotion that you’re feeling comes from [the lighting] until it’s taken away,” Vogt said.

The crew starts working around two months before a show, reading through the script and programming cues on the lights board. During the show, Vogt and her co-chief, Alex Arens ’23, trade off running the board.

In addition to lights, sound is an essential component of every production. The sound crew begins training a few weeks before tech week to make sure all members know how to work the equipment.

“Our equipment is old and delicate, [so] it takes a lot of trial and error to figure everything out,” sound crew member Elizabeth Young ’25 said.

Costumes

French provincial clothing, a human candlestick and Belle’s iconic yellow gown: the costume crew has a lot on its plate for Beauty and the Beast.

“Once we get measurements [of the cast], I’ve already kind of got an idea of … my vision,” Costume Director Becky Deagle said. “I’ll go up to the loft and just start ruffling through all the costumes we have.”

If existing costumes aren’t enough, Deagle searches thrift stores or borrows from nearby drama departments. The crew then meets around three times per week, assembling the costumes and making alterations.

Costume Crew Chief Helenipa Stephens ’23 says an important part of the crew’s process is teaching sewing skills.

“As the show is happening, Becky will pull you aside and teach you different things. She’s a really good teacher [and] it’s a nice experience to learn as the show is happening,” Stephens said.

During the show, Stephens and the other students take the lead backstage, helping actors perform quick costume changes. Stephens enjoys the fast-paced nature of each show.

“When we’re backstage … in that rushed environment and that adrenaline kicks in, we’re all working together and it’s really nice,” Stephens said.