Unit 2 - My Backstage Role : Wizard of Oz

 Task 5 - My Backstage Role

Everyone had their own responsibility and role when it came to helping out backstage. I chose to work on Set and Prop work, which mean't making props, decorating set and making sure our theatre looked like Oz. It was a hard backstage role, not for the most obvious reason, more down to the fact that every time I got stuck in, scenes were happening meaning I was needed. This meant that I would have lots to talk about in relation to my performance but not a lot for my backstage role. However, despite all that, I did manage to help out with the set and props as much as I could. 

Myself and Millie Trodden both were given the clear plastic squeeze bottle to spray glittery silver onto, which we took outside so that no other pieces of set would be affected. This was a key prop since it belonged to the Tin Man, and both myself and Millie would be referencing and even using it in our time as Dorothy. The wind was a struggle as it mean't that the spray was being swerved but we got it fully covered and we both felt better that we had helped out. 

Another time I took on my backstage role, was after lesson one time when the fake grass was being brought in by Tom and Kane in which it was needed to be set down to appear real. A few of us had stayed back anyway to practise the entirety of Act 2, so I offered to help out. The grass was being shaped into it's right size and we all helped to hold it down and try and bend the edges so that they didn't fold over and stick up. I'm so glad that I helped out with this, since I was extra hands that were needed and took some happiness in that I helped with such a big task. I wasn't the only one however, Millie, Alan and Connor were there too and helped out massively too. 

In the process leading up to the show days, everyone was going in and out of the costume cupboard trying to find finishing touches for their munchkin and ozian costume. This led to the costume cupboard becoming quite messy and people not being able to easily find costumes and pieces. Millie helped out earlier that day with Kelly and Kane so it had been started but Me and Adam helped out after and we spent the morning gutting and properly tidying it. We binned anything that served no purpose like random pieces of paper and broken hangers, and hung up clothes that had fallen. It weirdly felt therapeutic and we all felt proud after we had finished since it was a huge difference from the beginning as you can see from our smiles. Thankfully, the costume room stayed clean with only a few pieces of clothes fallen which we tidied before our last show so that it was clean for the new year. 

With myself and Millie both playing Dorothy, it mean't that we related to one another in wanting to help out more when it came to our backstage role. Saying this, we made sure to support each other and found ways to do little acts of kindness to help out everyone. For example, before the start of every evening show, we would place props in the right place if it hadn't already been done so. We also made sure that pieces of fabric were tidied away and props like the poppies were tucked away to not spoil the magic of Oz. 

During my backstage role, I made sure to help with little things wherever I could, like fixing the flowers on the Scarecrow stand and painting about three blocks of the Yellow Brick Road. Next time, I would definitely try and help out more but I realise with the role I was given in the show, it meant that that would be my main priority, as Dorothy is the main protagonist and if she was acted poorly I would feel awful with myself.