By Carissa Szlosek ’12, Staff Writer

As you walk through Newark Academy’s arts wing on a given day, you might notice students dancing, singing, and reading through lines.  There is undeniable excitement as actors prepare for this year’s musical, “The Sound of Music.”  Though many talented and hardworking actors comprise the cast of this year’s production, some of the most important contributors to the musical can be found offstage.

Jessie Arnell ’12, the stage manager, is a key contributor to the production.  This is Jessie’s third year working on the winter musical with Mr. Jacoby.  As stage manager, it is her responsibility to ensure that the rest of the stage crew knows how to operate.  The work done backstage includes makeup, costumes, props, and lighting.  During the first few weeks of rehearsal, Jessie spends roughly ten hours a week learning the lines of each cast member and checking that she has the appropriate resources to fulfill Mr. Jacoby’s intended vision.  “[Mr. Jacoby] is great and very organized,” Jessie commented.  “He has a distinct vision but gives [the actors] their artistic space.”  Unlike the actors, however, Jessie receives little “artistic space” and much more direction from Mr. Jacoby.  During the final week of rehearsal, Jessie anticipates spending 25 to 30 hours simply making sure everything is perfect.

When asked about the differences between last year’s production and this year’s, Jessie stated that this set is relatively minimal to allow for the acting and singing to outshine the set.  Although sometimes her job can be frustrating when the stage crew has trouble with props or machinery, Jessie claims that the most rewarding aspect of her job is watching everyone’s efforts turn into a cohesive production. Junior Jake Okinow, member of the tech crew, seems confident on the set’s potential.  Other important personnel working out of the spotlight include Sam Peinado ‘11, Ms. Hamm, Mr. Huber, Senor Gomez, Mademoiselle Obydol, Mrs. Brodie, all of the members of the tech crew, and many more. So if the acting, singing, and dancing in hallways aren’t incentive enough, consider the work of the stage crew and come see the musical this March!  In the spirit of the production, “So Long, Farewell… I’d hate for you to go and miss this pretty sight.”