By: Grace Barber ‘27 – Published in Fall 2024 Issue 3
During the second and third weeks of November, Siena College will be performing its production of Guys and Dolls, a classic musical that follows the story of gamblers in New York City during the Depression and the women in love with them. The show features classic numbers such as “Bushel and a Peck” and “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.” Not to mention, the show is hilarious! Performances such as this are a great way for college students to relieve stress by enjoying the story. There will be performances of the show on November 14-16th and 21-23rd at 8:00 pm, and November 17 at 3:00 pm. There are many opportunities to attend the musical, not only to enjoy a wonderful show but also to support your fellow Siena peers.
After speaking with some members of Stage Management, I got some insight into what it is like to be a member of the Stage Management team. Even though they aren’t on the stage, they work incredibly hard to ensure the show goes as smoothly as possible. Their responsibilities include making rehearsal reports, which entails keeping track of everything that happens during rehearsals; managing actors’ conflicts and excused absences; scheduling; acting as a liaison between the actors and directors; making the daily call, which tells actors where and when their required rehearsals are; making sure actors submit and write their bios; making sure there are “good vibes;” and overall making sure the experience of preparing for the show is positive for the actors. I also asked the Stage Managers what inspired them to be behind the scenes of the production. They said that they all had a love for theater and their reasons for choosing stage management specifically varied from wanting to have new experiences in theater to wanting to pursue careers in management. Stage Management is a great way to get involved in theater without having to be on stage!
The students performing in the play have been rehearsing for up to seventeen hours a week to prepare for the performance since late September. After speaking with some actors and dancers, it was agreed that what everyone is most looking forward to is performing the show that they have put so much effort into for all their loved ones to see.
Additionally, I asked the actors and dancers in the performance what their favorite part of being involved in the performance has been. The consensus was the community. Many shared that they enjoyed being able to do what they love–whether that’s dancing, singing, or acting–with an amazing and supportive group of people who share their passion for theater. Overall, being involved in theater, whether that is being on stage, supporting the actors, or even attending a performance of the musical, is a very positive experience. The performance of Guys and Dolls is going to be an especially entertaining production, and the actors, Stage Managers, and everyone else involved are looking forward to seeing you there!