Music Box

 One day I was sent a spreadsheet for preparation of my shift at the MB for DEH.

The show was still in rehearsals offsite, so the first few times I worked at the theatre, it was only wardrobe on call.

The Theatre

The advantage of an empty theatre is that I got a tour of the entire theatre. I got to walk on the stage. I got to go under the stage. I got to go upstairs to the dressing rooms. I got to trickle through all the stairs and the maze that is a broadway theatre. I even got a tour of the house manager's office, which has its own secret closet from prohibition.

The Job

It was the most backstage I had ever been. Then I was working on the first days the cast came back to the theatre. This was the most work I ever had to do backstage. Day 1 had 60+ people. Day 2 had 70+ people. I checked for their latest test results and gave out their wristbands. 

I learned a good amount of names in the short time I was there. One person even shared my name and took an interest in when I said I was a writer. Perhaps I could venture to plays one day, after I finish my open projects.

The Feels

I got to see all the hustle and bustle backstage. I got to see the crew arrive at 7:30am, only to set up everything for when the cast showed up. I got to hear them rehearse. I got to see them run around in the wings.

I saw the cast smiles when they all returned to the theatre for the first time. I saw crew members get chills to see them performing for the first time. This is real. Broadway is back. This show is back.

And it takes a village. And I got to sit in that village. I said I wanted to see this. I know I can do it. I feel very lucky to have this temporary and rare seat at these theatres. Theatres, plural, which is such a perk of this job. But I'm grateful I got to call this particular theatre home for the week.