Shakespeare At Strike

(School assignment)

The USD Theatre Department had a busy few days. Students performed Shakespeare's As You Like It for four consecutive days at the Wayne S. Knutson Theatre. Their opening night was on Thursday, Sept. 28.

This classic Shakespeare comedy tells the story of the heroin Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court. She is joined by her cousin Celia and both go into the Forest of Arden where they find safety and love.

After the final performance, the strike starts. During this strike, the entire set will be taken apart. A team of students and staff will disassemble the set under the watchful eye of Technical Director, Scott Mollman.

The world of drama moves fast: the audience had only just left when the set was being taken down.

[A view of the stage from the auditorium]

The scene shop is where the magic happens. Sets are not only being built here, but also taken down. There is a pleasant rush during strike as everyone is bustling about.

[Scene shop]

Everyone is part of a team with their own tasks. A list makes it clear who is on which team and thus responsible for which part of the strike.

[The paper hangs up backstage and is visible to all]

Safety first! A helmet and closed shoes are required to participate in the strike.

[Scene Shop]

Although the temperature outside rose to about 95°F, everyone kept on working. Students and staff alike.

[A student drills the screws loose from one of the panels]

The scene shop during strike is a dangerous place. People are walking around with large set pieces or are working with sharp equipment. It's important to always be careful.

[Drilling screws loose is a tedious task]

Can you tell the scene shop is a place where imagination comes to life?

[Painting corner in the scene shop]

Paint bottles won't be touched during strike, but are not to be forgotten when building the set.

[Scene shop]

The table of the actors is still cluttered with personal belongings while everyone is helping around.

[Backstage]

Program booklets were handed out at the beginning of each show. These booklets contained the names of all the actors and everyone who contributed behind the stage.

[Backstage]

The script is laying around, not ready to be closed yet.

[Backstage]

Next time students will take the stage, and therefore there will be a strike, is to perform Ada and the Engine later this year.