Five years ago, I worked with Charleston Stage as a Theatre Wings Apprentice. I worked on a number of great shows and gained some incredible professional experience that prepared me for opportunities in college that only juniors and seniors scored. It has been three long years since my last time behind the scenes and finally, it feels like I have returned home. As Stage Manager of Twelfth Night, I find myself captivated by the magic of theater and Shakespeare all over again.
I recall an adage our director, Julian Wiles, uses throughout rehearsals – “Remember, Shakespeare never meant for his work to be the bane of every high school English class; it was always meant to be performed.” Whether I am recording the blocking (movements of actors on stage) of characters like Sir Toby Belch, aptly named for his drunken escapades, or even setting up the props (items actors use in scenes) for each act, I am so grateful for the opportunity to see Shakespeare’s words and wit come to life. Some may think that seeing the performance night after night would dull the experience, but never is that the case with Twelfth Night. With every performance, I catch on to a new double entendre – how many meanings can the words ‘rose’ and ‘pearl’ really have? – or capture the slight smirk of the loveable barmaid Maria. Together, with a fantastic crew and amazing set of actors, I have realized just how much of Shakespeare’s devilish side is in the details.
