Whether it is band, orchestra, theatre or choir, West Ranch has it all. But who are the students who help put these programs on stage? Behind the scenes, students involved with technology operations and stage management also prepare for performing arts shows. Here are a few wildcats and their impact backstage. 

Kolton Krolak 

   Sophomore Kolton Krolak, for instance, “fell in love with the whole aspect of it.” In the tech booth, students have the opportunity not only to operate, but also to design parts of each performance. Krolak added, “My personal favorite is lighting design; I’ve been doing it for three shows now.” Designers can incorporate their own ideas into different productions. Krolak takes inspiration from scripts and songs to choose appropriate color schemes for each performance. 

   Like performers, tech designers also attend rehearsals and hold meetings to discuss their next steps for the show preparation. When it comes to the actual procedure, Krolak explains his process as “just being. It’s understanding the rhythm that goes into productions or shows in general. It’s mentally or even physically preparing yourself to show the best effort that you can provide.”

   With the turnout of West Ranch’s previous productions, Krolak mentioned that his favorite show so far has been Theatre’s “The Lightning Thief,” which was the spring musical performed last year. “I enjoyed that one because I had the mental knowledge and aspects of being able to design such heavy cues and lights to make it into a great musical,” Krolak concluded. It is for this reason that Krolak believes West Ranch Theatre’s musical, “Mean Girls: High School Edition,” will be a fan favorite for audiences.

Willow Nunez

   Apart from lighting design, there are many other roles to fill, including sound design and microphones. Junior Willow Nunez recently started in the tech booth last year. “I remember being in Theatre III as paint chief and going up to watch other student operators during ‘The Lightning Thief’ was really interesting,” Nunez recalled. “Past operators were really welcoming and passionate. When I took over, I found that the process was really fun and learning to be comfortable with the position has helped me get over my nerves.”

   While lighting involves creating scenes from scratch, sound design requires operators to have their notes ready for the microphone and audio cues. These cues allow tech students to follow along with the show while preparing to start up different instruments. Nunez added that “Operations are the behind the scenes; we are there to make the show run as smoothly as possible.”

   In the tech booth, these students are also performing their duties live. Some cues might be missed or off-time, but Nunez advises that these stumbles should not impact the overall experience. “Just be ready for anything to happen in a show, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” Nunez emphasized.

Alina Rose Kliarsky

   While student operators primarily work in the tech booth, there is one major role that is conducted backstage: stage managing. Junior Alina Rose Kliarsky originally started as an actor: “I saw one of my peers doing stage management for a show when I was acting in our play ‘Our Town,’ and she inspired me to try stage managing,” Kliarsky elaborated, “I loved the idea of being a leader and helping a theater production run smoothly.”

   Tech operations have opportunities to run lighting and sound for all performing arts shows, including band, orchestra and choir. However, stage management is exclusive to theatre productions. During these shows, students in stage management remain backstage, watching from behind the scenes to cue the operators in the booth. 

   Kliarsky has experience both on stage and in the wings, but she believes that “Tech is a whole other world. We do a lot of work that goes unrecognized. If you didn’t have tech, actors would be acting in the dark, dancing to no music, chaotic backstage and with no costumes.” Operations and stage management provide the foundation for many of West Ranch’s performing arts shows and they are open to all interested students.

To future tech students…

   With more shows being rehearsed for the spring season, these tech students show up to be part of the bigger picture. “My favorite part of being in tech is just being able to see the end product and having fun in the booth when trying new things,” Nunez added. 

   Along with new shows come more wildcats who might also have an interest in theater tech. Kliarsky concludes, “To any future stage manager of West Ranch Theatre, keep peace with everyone. People will get anxious and things will become chaotic, but you have to remain calm. Stay confident in your role, you got this.” Remaining calm and confident is a key part of the performing arts portion of West Ranch, and as Krolak clarified, “We are not meant to be perfect until we make mistakes. In trying again, we make mistakes, pivot and we move on and succeed.”

   Cats, if you’re interested in technical performing arts, you can see the work of these students during the spring semester at many of West Ranch’s productions.