What Every Stage Crew Member Should Carry With Them At All Times
Hannah Crawford, Guest Editorial
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So, you’ve got your script and think you're completely ready for the show to start backstage. Well, let me save you a lot of trial and error and set you up for success on the things you absolutely 100% need if you’re working backstage.
It took me years to learn that these are things I needed to have with me at all times backstage. If there’s one thing about theatre, it’s that something will inevitably go wrong. That’s just the nature of the show and working with wonky sets, costumes, and humans. Let’s jump into a ranking of most important to least important. (But, if I’m being really honest, it’s all important, and you’ll see why by the end.)
The All-in-One Apron or Tool Belt
This item was quite literally life-changing for me, and I only tried it out for the first time a few years ago during “The Great American Trailer Park”. So, the issue that I found working backstage is that I had items with me, but when something happened behind the wall, or on the opposite side of the stage, I didn’t have anything with me because it was all at my stage manager's stand.
That’s where this apron came into play. The one that I wore was the half apron that fits around your waist and doesn’t go too far down. I could keep so much in there, and the best part is that no matter where I was, I had everything I needed right there with me.
Mini Sewing Kit
Oh boy, I can’t tell you how many times this has been needed. Are you even a stage crew member if you don’t have a sewing kit? A sewing kit is essential, from missing buttons to ripped zippers to frayed hems.
Keep the vital colors black and white to make it easiest for you. There is no need to have big scissors and every color with you. You need something small, compact, and very easy to whip out at any moment.
Flashlight Around Neck
Now, this one was truly life-changing for me. So many community theatres do not have the appropriate lighting backstage, and don’t get me started on that safety aspect. However, it is a reality we need to be prepared for.
Not only is it difficult for the stage crew to see in certain parts backstage, but it is also difficult for actors coming on and off stage in complete blackouts. It is a trip and a safety hazard. Like any other stage crew member, I used to have a small flashlight with me. But what about when you’re helping someone do a quick change? Or need to run out on stage to switch out a set quickly? I found that the neck flashlight was the absolute best for me. And I can’t tell you how useful it actually was.
Safety Pins
God, I love costumes. It just adds to the entire experience of a show. But, boy, can a million things go wrong with costumes. Unfortunately, there are some mishaps that not even a sewing kit can fix in the moment. Or perhaps it happens between scenes and there’s no time to fix it properly.
In these cases, safety pins are quite literally your very best friend. Word to the wise here: make sure you have a variety of small and large ones. You never know where on the costume they will be needed. And if they’re up by the collar or chest, we don’t need a giant safety pin sticking out for all to see.
Screwdriver (Compact or Multi-Head)
This is a bit of an odd one that took me a while to learn that I needed. Even though I’m never on set design, I can’t tell you how often situations have come up where a screwdriver was needed and no one had one. And we all know that when you need something in the theatre, it's the moment no one can find it. So, I started carrying a small screwdriver around with me, and it became more useful than I would have thought.
Electrical Tape or Spike Tape
Yes, things are supposed to be spiked before the show starts. But, we all know how that goes (*insert upside-down smiley face*). Whether it’s a section never spiked, tape coming off, or the glow in the dark losing its fade, ensuring you have the backup you need is always vital.
Small Pocket Knife
Sometimes, scissors just don’t cut it. Some emergency fixes require only a knife, whether for curtain fabric, rope, packages, or other stubborn situations. Pocket knives are multi-purpose, and their capabilities are unlimited.
Bobby Pins
Last, but certainly not least, let’s not forget the coveted bobby pins. No matter how much hairspray we use in our actors' hair, it will inevitably come out during the show. And yes, even though the actors should be prepared for anything going wrong on their person, they have a million things on their mind, and a bobby pin is probably the least of their concerns.
At the end of the day, you are the safety net that no one knew they needed backstage. Because if there’s one thing about Murphy's Law, it’s that anything that can go wrong will absolutely go wrong. So, if we’re prepared, there will be fewer problems backstage.
Now, one of the added benefits to carrying these items with you in person at all times is that you instantly become well-liked and needed. And I don’t know about you, but when I work backstage, I love that actors know they can rely on me. If I can do my job effectively backstage, they in turn can do theirs seamlessly onstage, and that’s when the magic and beauty of the show happen.