THE ROLE OF THE STAGE CREW
The
spring reunion is normally held on the last two Saturdays in April
and the fall reunion held on the last two Saturdays in October at
the Alexandria Scottish Rite Temple. Our Scottish Rite Stage
Crew supports these reunions.
For each reunion, we have scheduled 29 rehearsal dates which are full rehearsals
in the auditorium. Each degree is rehearsed at least twice and some are rehearsed
three times prior to the reunion. In addition to the 29 rehearsals, we have
the two full days of performances, starting at 8:00 AM each day and going until
approximately 8:00 PM, in which we must provide stage support for the 15 degrees
which are conferrred with a cast performing the lessons of the degree.
We are always seeking new members on the Stage Crew. Some of the members are
available to assist with some of the rehearsal dates, some are available only
on the reunion days and some are available only on part of the reunion days.
It seems that several of the members, who are very dedicated and conscientious
about getting the job done, ALWAYS GET "DUMPED ON" and end up shouldering the
majority of the load.
It
has been our vision and hope that we could get enough members involved
in the work to have specific members assigned to specific degrees. This
would allow for each member to be present only for the period of time
necessary to support that particular degree for both the rehearsals and
the performance. Using this concept and having 15 degrees that must be
supported, with only two personnel assigned to each degree, we would
need a minimum of 30 members on the Stage Crew. As you can see, we have
only one third of what we need as a minimum. With this simple analysis,
I hope you can appreciate the MAGNITUDE OF THE REQUIREMENT.
I
invite each member, particularly those who may not now be active in
attending meetings or reunions, to spend just a little time to help the
Stage Crew carry out this role for each reunion. Please believe me when
I say, WE WANT, AND NEED, YOUR HELP!
Jack Canard, 33º IGH
Past Director, Stage & Properties
jcanard(at)cox.net