Patty Francisco: A Behind the Scenes Talent

I began volunteering at the Theatre more than five years ago when my neighbor Ed Strum was directing The Laramie Project. I'd run into him on walks and two times he asked me if I wanted to act, and I said “no.” The third time when he asked me if I could help with the production, I said “okay.” I put together the slide show for the play and then ran the slide equipment during each show. I really believed in The Laramie Project and also thought it would be a good way for me to meet more people on the island.

After The Laramie Project, word got out and I was assistant stage manager for Fiddler on the Roof, stage manager for Cemetery Club, Crimes of the Heart and Enchanted April and assistant stage manager for The Music Man. Stage managing is like going from slave to master. You help the director during rehearsals–everything from creating rehearsal calendars to making sure the actors and crew are fed–then when you get to the performances themselves, you call the play (cuing lights, sound, the actors and even props like when flower petals had to fall down at just the perfect moment in Enchanted April). I find that timing part very enjoyable and I like being able to listen to the audience each night to see how each one reacts differently to parts of a play.

My suggestion to others thinking of volunteering is to find out about all the different types of behind–the–scenes opportunities there are…I think anybody who's never done any theater can do all these things–don't be afraid. The Theatre really needs good back of stage folks. In a good performance these support people are invisible. While they may not get the applause, there is a lot of reward and appreciation from the people involved in the play or musical event. Plus you get to know a lot of nice people in the Theatre and the community.