In the Drama Department, the people who work behind the scenes, or the tech, are responsible for providing actors with the tools they need to put on shows successfully. For this to happen more smoothly, leaders of different departments are appointed to make the process easier. From costuming to lighting, every little detail is meticulously put together for all of the departments to cooperate and work together in synchrony.
One of these appointed leaders is Maisy Woods, who is the head of props. It’s her job to create the props that actors use on stage. Being chosen to be a head of a department isn’t necessarily a set in stone, firmly established role. In Woods’ case she stated, “I didn’t know if I wanted a leadership role, but as time went on, I kind of came about it naturally before I was ever named head of props.” Woods goes on to recount her experiences leading in her very first theatre production here at Rocky, citing it as, “My first production with Rocky’s theatre has been Shrek The Musical. And, it’s been a lot of pressure, but I have many people who work really hard, and are willing to help with just about anything. That makes my job a lot easier!” She goes on to discuss how participating in helping put it together was a good experience, and how grateful she was for the people she worked with that made it possible.
Similarly, Yessenia Leos-Ochoa is the head of the costume department. She does everything to make sure that actors are looking their best when they are performing for their audiences. She describes how she came into her leadership role as “I was the only person in the department with the skills we needed to sew and work on clothes, so it kind of happened naturally.” Moreover, she explains the skills necessary to work on the costumes and make them the best that they can be, stating, “I sew and make costumes, research time eras for outfits, create a vision to carry out with the costumes and design them.” Leos-Ochoa discusses how much work and dedication goes into her costumes, and how hard it can be sometimes, but also how rewarding it can be.
Both of the department leaders have similar feelings about their positions. But they both share the sentiment that their hard work and dedication pays off in the end. Next week the spring musical, Shrek The Musical, opens where the two leaders will be able to show off their skills to their audiences.
