The Rex Putnam High School theater tech crew is always working hard behind the scenes but rarely gets enough recognition. This year, the Theater department at Putnam has already put on 2 plays in just a short few months. Of course, without the actors in the play, this would be impossible, but the tech crew is also integral to their success. With control of the lights, props, outfits, and generally keeping everything moving, the tech crew works hard. 

Kinsey Sarmiento, a sophomore in Thespians club since the beginning of this school year said, “Yeah it’s quite long after-school hours usually.” From the end of school to 6 pm and sometimes later, the Thespians club works on upcoming plays. By designing and creating sets, learning how to use the lights, and generally just having a fun time, they’re very busy. 

This year with Covid restrictions in place, and the regulations changing all the time, the air is full of tense energy. With mask requirements in place for most school events, it’s interesting to see the actors on stage not wearing masks at all while performing. The tech crew of course wears their masks while working, and most people wear them while at Thespians Club after school as well. 

Though the Nutcracker is classically a ballet, the school put it on as a holiday play just before winter break. The story was mostly the same with a lot less dancing and a special performance by the Rex Putnam Choraleers before the show started. Though the actors of the play performed without masks, the singers performed with masks on, except for a bit of kazoo playing. 

The air during and before the play was one of anticipation and holiday spirit. Kinsey and others in the play said it was the most people they had seen at any of the plays yet that opening night. With a showing on opening night on Friday, a Saturday matinee, and another Saturday night showing that same day, the actors, tech crew, and director worked very hard to bring the play to life in the short amount of time available.