Confidence Via Performance

What many don’t realize is that they don’t have to be in the spotlight to shine.


When at a show, most people are captured by the actors and don’t give a second thought about what is happening behind the scenes. Months before a final production, there is a skilled team working hard to make sure actors look as good as possible. Many do not realize that sitting mere feet from the back row is a small technical booth. In that booth there is a person- sometimes several people- working light, sound and making sure things run well.


Another small team of people stand at the ready backstage. The stage manager stands off to the side with a headset, in constant contact with the booth. A stage manager ensures the show runs as planned; watching for actors, making sure light cues are met, that the right props and set pieces are set up and ready to go on for the next scene. Stage managers are the ring leaders of the theater.


Once stage manager pulls the curtain, the stage hands jolt into action. Stage hands need to be strong and silent. They must be able to lift sets which can weigh around 50 pounds, depending on what they’re made of and move them as quietly as possible without the audience being aware. It is common for a scene to have many different pieces of furniture. If the stage hands forget even one piece, the scene could be ruined.


In actuality, a show could not go on without the backstage help.


There are performers at a football game that help the game shine. You won’t see them on the field until half time. The marching band plays in the stands, performing songs they have been working on since summer. Second quarter ends and it is time for the half time show. The band marches onto the field. The mighty tuba bellows the first notes of a popular song into the crisp night air, followed by a chorus of piccolos, trumpets, trombones, saxophones and various other instruments.


The marching band begins rehearsing in late August, before school begins. Band camp is rough, full of blood, sweat and tears. Marching in a band is tougher than it looks. One needs to be aware of where they themselves on the field are as well as those around them. They need to be continuously thinking of their own music, what notes to play when and to what rhythms, and to what everyone else is play. They need to constantly feel the beat. The marching band works hard under the unforgiving sun and heat of summer from dawn until dusk during band camp.


The band does not quit once the football season is over. They continue throughout the year, preparing themselves for competitions and concerts. Band members are constantly performing. A high school band performs every day, whether it be rehearsing, practicing on their own or performing in small groups in front of people. In an average high school band repertoire, there can be hundreds of songs in a single year.


Performing gives confidence, both in the light and dark. Whether it’s being backstage, being in the marching band, on the football team, dance, singing alone in your bedroom, modeling, writing or whatever it is that makes you happy, be sure you are performing.


Get out there and perform in whatever way you can.