Behind the set in the Comstock Theatre

MOORHEAD – Here at Concordia, the theatre department puts on massively successful shows. From actors to 

lights to backstage, the shows are a whole production. Everyone involved plays an essential 

role in the making of these shows, but there is a lot of unseen behind-the-scenes from the crew that make these shows possible. 

Student Manager, Senior Carlos O’Ryan, is one of the many moving pieces in the operation of making shows possible. O’Ryan is an actor, but he often works on building the sets for shows. He will often paint and cut the wood needed to build sets, but the job description can often change depending on what projects the show may need. 

O’Ryan faces many variables during his shifts, but he faces the challenge of proper safety protocols.  

 “One of the biggest challenges is to just be careful. In the scene shop you have to stay on your toes because we’re always working with power tools, saws, and working at heights. We’re always staying safe, but there are plenty of ways to get hurt if caution isn’t used,” O’Ryan said.  

While safety is serious and his job has its share of challenges, O’Ryan and the rest of his crew know how to have a good time at work. 

“There are too many good memories to count! We have a dart board hanging in the scene shop, which was originally purchased for the set of ‘Almost, Maine’ but now, every year we do a darts tournament for the shop workers. Last year, we had a pool table for the set of “The LaramieProject” and we did a 9-ball tournament,” O’Ryan said. 

O’Ryan and his team play an indispensable role in developing a show.  

“These shows would not be able to happen without all of the work that goes on in the scene shop, the costume hop, and from the lighting team. I’m very grateful for all of the work all of the interns and theatre faculty do to allow us to do these performances,” he said.  

Like O’Ryan, freshmen scenic run crew member Gale Klevan Schmitz plays an important role in the making of a show. Klevan Schmitz’s main job is to operate the fly system. 

 “The flies are the ropes backstage that connect with curtains and help with holding and lifting props. It’s my job to take care of that. I also help with anything else that needs to get done backstage,” Klevan Schmitz said.  

Klevan Schmitz also works directly under the assistant stage manager, doing anything that needs to be done. She is ready when cues are called, will move set pieces or props, and always keeps mic tape and a paper towel on her for the actors at all times. 

Klevan Schmitz reflects on her job fondly, saying “When you go to the theatre there’s a sense of wonder while you’re watching because you don’t know how it all works, and I like being a part of how it all comes together.” 

Freshman Trinity Pitzer is equally enthusiastic about her job. Pitzer works as a scene painter and in props but mostly deals with painting.  

“I help build sets and mix paint, I paint things and learn different techniques to make certain pieces look a certain way,” Pitzer said.  

On an average day of work, Pitzer puts on her paint clothes, asks what needs to be done and gets to work.  

“Sometimes you’re getting on a ladder and using a staple gun, or sometimes you’re painting and cutting wood. It all depends on the day,” she said.  

While Pitzer works hard, she loves the work she does, “I really enjoy learning everything, it’s really cool and a lot of hands-on stuff. I also really enjoy the people and it’s a really amazing community. It’s really satisfying to see things come together. The weird random inside jokes also make it a fun environment.” 

Like O’Ryan, Pitzer also shares that she has a fun time at work.  

“Once we were working on the show ‘Witch’, and for the kitchen piece we needed to completely re-texture the whole thing for a grainy rough look, so me and four other girls just scooped this goop everywhere with our hands and it was really entertaining and funny,” Pitzer said. 

Pitzer also stated the importance of a crew for the show.  

“If we didn’t work in the scene shop, there wouldn’t be a scene. No props, working components to play around with, nothing. It’s also easier to be in the show when the atmosphere allows you to feel like you’re in the show,” she said.  

The theatre crew is an essential part of the operation when it comes to making a show. 

Any students with questions or interests in the crew can reach out to a member like Pitzer, O’Ryan, Klevan Schmitz or stop by the theatre.