by Preston Hogue, Theatre Wings Apprentice
I was first introduced to Charleston Stage Company in the fifth grade when I took a class in theatreschool. In the class I was encouraged to audition for A Christmas Carol, and I was cast. I continued to take classes and be in shows through middle and high school, and in ninth grade it only seemed natural for me to join the TheatreWings Apprentice Program, more commonly known as Wings.
As an actor, I was apprehensive about joining Wings at first. I wasn’t sure whether or not I wanted to get involved in all of that “backstage stuff” as I thought of it then. On my first day in the shop, though, my apprehension dissolved as I learned a wealth of knowledge on constructing a set. Not only did I learn how to build a flat (in essence a wall for the stage), but I actually built a flat! I’m proud to say that now, three years later, if Stefanie were to give me the dimensions of a flat this week in the shop, I could build it with little help!
Crewing shows has proven to be an equally important experience for me. As the assistant stage manager for The Producers, I am required to attend all rehearsals where my main tasks are recording blocking, or stage movement, and keeping up with props and set pieces. As an aspiring director, seeing the rehearsal process from start to finish and having the opportunity to observe almost the entire creative process of a show has proved to be an invaluable resource. I am going into college with experience that not many freshmen have.
I am very thankful to Charleston Stage for the experiences they have provided for me, both onstage and offstage! I have been very blessed receiving the training I have had from Stefanie, Mike, Ms. Barbara, Marybeth, and Julian over the years. As The Producers closes this week, and I look ahead to life as a TheatreWings Apprentice (and high school) graduate, I can’t help but look back and be thankful for the invaluable opportunities that have been afforded to me by Charleston Stage Company.