Different Theatre Experience
This past week I’ve been involved in my school’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. I mentioned in previous posts that because I can’t dance I am a pit singer in the show. That basically means that with a few others I stay down in the orchestra pit under the stage and sing next to the orchestra.
This is obviously a very different experience to what I’m used to as I am used to being on stage dancing and singing with everyone else. Being in the pit has taught me so much about the behind the scenes of live theatre and preparing for a show. When you’re on stage you don’t see what all the staff are doing while you’re performing. Over the last few days I have seen how the orchestra works together, how the conductor works with the orchestra and backstage and lighting, also how backstage communicates with everyone onstage and off.
I also got to see the audience more than when I’m performing. When I do perform I only ever see the audience after the show once I’ve come out from backstage. This time the audience could see the orchestra as they came in so I got to say hi and welcome people I knew as they entered. I loved talking to people during interval and seeing how they were enjoying the show and getting immediate feedback. Everyone I spoke to said they were loving the show and it was great to hear that and get bit of encouragement throughout the show.
Finally you might be wondering what it was like doing live theatre not that long after surgery. I stayed at school every night before the show, that meant while everyone got dressed into their costumes I got changed into my black clothing. There were a few times when people saw my scar and mentioned it and I told them about my surgery. Everyone seemed really interested and was just curious what my scar was from. Apart from that my surgery didn’t effect my show experience at all and it was great to just put that aside and enjoy the show. Although I would have loved to be up on stage dancing with everyone else I’m still really happy I got to have this different experience and learn more about a different side of musical theatre.
8 Comments
Pat kruger
Most people would be sitting at home struggling, you are a very inspiring young woman. You will go far in life .👍
Jonathon Wight
You were amazing during the show Bethan! I was so impressed by you, as a fellow pit singer, your drive to do your best, even if you may not get the same deserved praise and attention as if you were on stage!
Cathryn Shewring
Loved every minute of the production – and the singing was fabulous! 🙂
Well done to you and the rest of the cast and crew.
Marlene Moulder
Well done Bethan just another aspect of theatre production that you have learnt. It was an amazing production and I’m sure you enjoyed it just as much as I did as an audience member. Fun night
Jazlyn
You’re amazing bethan ! Such a strong and talented friend, all my love
Marc Shewring
Nothing wrong with being a pit singer Bethan! As you say, you get to relax and watch the audience instead of taking the all the pressure! 😀
You’ll be back to being the star of the show soon.
Keep the blog going!x
zoe shewring
Bethan i know how much you like performing so it must be hard not to be on stage singing and dancing but you were still part of the production and it sounds like you had an amazing time. It wont be long before you are back on stage strutting your stuff proud of you. x
Sandra Hogan
Well done Bethan still being part of your school production
. We heard it was fabulous.