The Mayo Stage Door is full of energy as the cast and crew prepare for the fall musical, “A Christmas Carol.” With tech week just around the corner, the whole theater department is working tirelessly to bring the production to life.
For many seniors, this show is extra special. After four years as part of the Mayo stage door, senior Edda Wiedenman reflects on the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye. Although disappointed, Wiedenman admits that “being one of the few people who’s been in Stage Door all four years, I got enough experience out of it to be happy with where I am.” As an assistant director this year, Wiedenman has taken on new leadership responsibilities while also being the lead Ebenezer Scrooge. Having to help build the set to leading meetings with other crew leads, the workload is a lot, but just as rewarding.
Taking a look over the model that the crews made of the set, Edda Wiedenman studies the plan and admires their hard work.
Others are also stepping into major behind-the-scenes roles. Itzel Campos, a junior, is taking on the responsibility of head of sound. Campos has been hard at work managing microphones, rental mics, and other sound equipment with the rest of Sound Crew in preparation for tech week. Sound Crew doesn’t just make sure volume levels are good; they also have to handle sound effects and control the actors’ mics.
Working hard controlling the volumes, Itzel Campos makes sure the actors’ voices sound balanced and are blended well together.
Meanwhile, another senior Erin Olson, the Light lead technician, makes sure that every lighting cue is precise and shining where it should be on stage. “We’ve been spending a lot of time making sure the lights are functional and roughly where we want them,” Olson said. “It’s not going to be perfect until we get to show week, but we’re getting close.”
Tech crews aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure. Actors have been working hard on memorizing lines, building and developing their characters, and perfecting their choreography. “A lot of it was memorization early on,” Wiedenman explained. “Now I’m focusing on really embodying Scrooge. Once your lines are second nature, it’s like singing Happy Birthday; you don’t even have to think about the words, and you can focus on how you’re performing.”
Despite the long hours, the company of Mayo Stage Door all share a deep sense of pride and community. Being a part of Mayo Stage Door isn’t just about performing; it’s built friendships, confidence, and memories that will last even after the last performance.“ I used to get terrible stage fright,” Wiedenman reflected. “Now, once I’m on stage, it goes away. I just feel comfortable in my element.”
As opening night gets closer, the excitement is only getting bigger. Even after the final curtain call, one thing is for sure: the impact of Mayo Stage Door will always be remembered.
“A Christmas Carol” will be on stage November 20-23. Tickets can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/MN22473?activity=Performing%20Arts.
