Behind the scenes at Yohen
Meanwhile, at the theater, everyone was busy preparing for the afternoon performance of Yohen. Amanda, our intern-turned-house-manager, put up the welcome signs and tidied up the lobby. In the box office, Amber and Ashley stuffed envelopes of tickets and coupons for guests who would be joining us at the performance. Michelle, the stage manager, flipped through the light cues and turned on all the technical equipment, while Sara, her faithful assistant, set props in Sumi’s kitchen.
It takes about 80 minutes of prep to get a performance of Yohen off the ground. Some shows, such as this spring’s Our Enemies, have taken as long as 2 or 2.5 hours to get set up. The stage manager is the hub of it all, answering questions and helping everyone get organized - including taking calls from anyone who is running late and from the understudies checking in to see if they are needed to go on.
In this picture, Page, the wardrobe supervisor, applies a “bruise” make up effect to actor Ernest Perry. Page is also responsible for Sumi’s “roots showing” hairdo, and all the laundry and ironing that keep the cast looking great!
Even the stage managers need fresh air some times! From left to right - Allie, production manager, Michelle, stage manager, and Sara, assistant stage manager, hanging out in Millennium park between the matinée and evening shows last Saturday.