Techs: Where are you?

[Skerdog]

I wondered how many people on this board do "Tech" work (granted, I don't know all that that entails, so don't throw tomatoes at me yet).

It seems like it's easier to find an actor than it is to find Tech people. Is it my imagination? Are you a Tech person who is "lurking" ? Could you "decloak" (register for an account here) and identify yourself? Maybe I'm not paying close enough attention (quite possible), but it seems like the ones I see talking about Tech more often than not are Jeremy and Don. Surely there are others?

Sound off !

[Dane]

*Gasp*
Mayhaps they've discovered how unappreciated they truly are?!

[Amphitryon38]

*Gasp*
Mayhaps they've discovered how unappreciated they truly are?!

How should tech people and designers be acknowledged? I think it is a good point. How best can we than them.

$ = No Encore.

Try something else.

[kries]

Skerdog - I'm a tech person - it is what my emphasis has always been. Set design, costruction, props and dressing of set.

I've dabbled in lighting - definately not my forte and don't ask me to sew - hot glue, yes - but no sewing.

I'd also consider directing a technical aspect.

While I do act also - I've found myself only auditioning maybe once or twice in the past couple of seasons.

-k-

[IndyMatt]

*Gasp*
Mayhaps they've discovered how unappreciated they truly are?!

DING DING DING- I believe we have a winner here!!!!

How should tech people and designers be acknowledged? I think it is a good point. How best can we than them.

Most often a sincere "thank you" works great. (sincere being the key word here)

A beer.

Less of a "holier than thou" attitude from the cast.

Not having a director say "my time is worth more than yours".

Speaking to the tech people as if they are part of the team and not just the low guy on the totem pole.

I mean think about it...there are several groups out there where the cast is getting paid...but the tech people are volunteering their time.

Return props when a tech person offers them up. (someone on this board knows what I'm talking about here...or should)

[IndyanaTekkie]

All the shows I've done, I've never experienced the "holier than thou" attitude from casts. They know that I know what I'm doing, that I'm there for them, and we are all there for the same reason. When the actors know your capability and have faith in you, they are fine. I guess some of the techs out there have experienced that, You still gotta show them respect and that you can handle the job. They'll see they can trust you and it will be fine. Not teching for a show because of a person's attitude towards you is a copout (especially if its just an actor). I've been a part of all areas of a production (Lead actor, chorus boy, backstage techie, Stage Manager, Assistant Director, Director, designer, musician) and its been fine. I've been with one theatre for about 10 years now and though its been bumpy, I still like working there and hope to continue putting my time there for a while. If you honestly had a bad experience somewhere, don't just quit teching, put your name in at other theatres and tell them you're interested.

My .02 cents

[RygelXVI]

At OTP we've struggled to find techs for every one of our shows. We have a set designer who is on the board but it's usually lighting, sound, props, costumes, and stage management that we struggle finding.

In this situation - I would probably overappreciate my techs more than underappreciate them. Their job is difficult but crucial to the success of the show. A perfect example of this is the upcoming Haunting of Hill House - what would that show be without the technical elements?

IndyMatt - if you want to trek down to Franklin - I'll buy you a beer while thanking you profusely - you'll be part of the OTP family and not just the production team. Oh and you can have all your props back too cause we don't have the space to store them.

[Amphitryon38]

I've been a part of all areas of a production (Lead actor, chorus boy, backstage techie, Stage Manager, Assistant Director, Director, designer, musician) and its been fine.

*inhales quickly and slaps hand over mouth

You're zz!

[IndyanaTekkie]

Oh darn the secrets out. LOL

[LizC]

Gus- you crack me up!

When I was involved, I did a little of everything. Found I really enjoyed stage managing. Don't know a thing about lights or sound but I can totally handle crew, props, and such.

I won't say I've ever felt un-appreciated. But I have felt... lonely? Only at the moment when everyone is onstage for bows and when the audience is gushing over the actors after the show. But, I also remind myself that if they don't notice me, it means I have succeeded.