We all know how vital the actors are to a theater production, but the crew is just as important. The role they play, though not under the bright stage lights, is just as important as the actors’. The term “Crew” can describe anyone from the set builders to the costume designers. The job they have requires a lot of effort, equal to the actor’s job of memorizing lines and learning blocking.

Crew is so important to the show because they do so much, and the task they perform has so much impact on the success of the production. Crew does not get the recognition that they need because many people do not know how essential they are. Since Peter Pan had so many set pieces and props, the backstage aspect of crew was a major part of the production. They moved the intricate magic wall, the bunk beds, and the window unit right into place so the actors could use them. They also helped build and paint the set pieces. Brigid Jurgens wrote an article for this edition about the importance of two student crew members, the assistant director and stage manager.

Crew are also in charge of makeup and costumes. They get to design and apply cool makeup. In Peter Pan, every character had makeup of some kind. More advanced makeup, like the makeup of the fairies and mermaids, took an experienced hand and a creative mind to make. All that beautiful glitter and sequins didn’t just appear on the girls’ faces! The costume crew helped out with the show in many ways. Without them, there wouldn’t be any costumes! The pirates’ costumes took hard work and time to piece together. You can read Jack Koshkin’s article to find out more about the makeup in the show.

All in all, crew is a key part of a production. They are the backbone of a production, especially so, with one with so many set pieces like Peter Pan. They do everything from set design to makeup application. The show simply can’t go on without them! The rising 2014-2015 newspaper staff members are happy to celebrate the crew in this special edition of White and Blue Press.