The West theatre department is well-known for their performances that leave spectators in awe. While the actors may be the ones seen on stage, there is another half to putting on a play that is less recognized: technical theatre.

The world of technical theatre is not as glorious as onstage acting, but it is equally as important. Technicians, or “techies,” design the set, build it from scratch, paint it and, in the end, are the ones who set the entire stage. Techies are also in charge of designing and finding costumes, as well as designing and executing lights and sound. This is all far easier said than done.

“The set for The Odd Couple is simple, but Jesus Christ Superstar is a high-tech complicated show,” technical director Norval Sykes said.

But, like Rome, a set is not built in a day. Techies are responsible for getting work done each day in order to construct a finished product.

“First, we go and get instructions on what to do to, and then we just start working,” junior technician Jonathan Cormak said. “We do what we think is right.”

The tech productions, or advanced technical theatre, class is very independent. It is up to the students to meet the needs of the production.

“An average day in tech theatre is just coming to class and seeing what needs to be done to build the set,” senior technician and International Thespian Society president Mattie Keeter said. “That could be construction, painting, getting props together or getting cues for lights and sound.”

Sykes delegates jobs at the beginning of the year based on individual strengths. As the year progresses, every student is given the opportunity to branch out and learn more about what they would like to do.

“My favorite thing to do in tech would be getting props together, getting cues and just watching the set come together,” Keeter said.

Every technician has a different preference, and Cormak has found his niche in stage managing.

“Stage managing is my favorite thing to do by far,” Cormak said. “I like the fact that I’m the in-between between the techies and the actors.”

Being a techie extends much further than school hours. Technicians are expected to work during class, and then stay at rehearsal until 6:30 p.m. every day in order to get all the work done.

“Practically my whole life is spent in theatre or with theatre friends,” Keeter said.

The next time you see a play, clap for the actors performing, but do not forget to tip your hat off to the technicians who put in just as much time to produce the show as the actors.

“I don’t have any time off, but it’s really worth it,” Cormak said. “Tech is life.”