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Behind the Scenes of A Funny Thing with Shae Muchler '23

Cetta Fusco '23
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is nearly here! Shae Muchler ‘23, this year's production stage manager, draws back the curtains and lets us take a peek behind the scenes of this year's spring musical. Shae has been involved in the theater department her entire high school career and plans on pursuing her passion of Stage Management in college.

We caught up with Shae earlier this week to ask her a couple questions about the spring musical and the culture in the theater department; here's what she had to say. 

CF: What’s the production like this year?
SM: This production is unlike any other musical I’ve done at BBA. Unlike last year, this is truly a triple-threat production; acting, dancing, and singing. Tackling such a large show and a large set was unlike anything I’d done before. So many elements have come together for this show, as well as so many hours put in by dozens of people. I think many people will enjoy this show due to the high theatrics as well as the humor!

CF: What was it like being on the stage crew this year?
SM: Stage crew is a lot of work, a lot more than people think. My role as Production Stage Manager is essentially making sure everything during the show and rehearsal goes smoothly. During the actual show, I’m calling light, sound, and actor cues in order to make sure the show goes the right way. It’s stressful and a lot of work making sure everything is going the way it should, but I thrive in the environment, and I love it.

CF: How does the culture differ from previous years?
SM: When I started at the BBA Theater Department, it was before Covid. The past two years have been program rebuilding years. We have been having to recruit new people to help with everything, from acting, to stage management, to lighting design. The company is a family, and we try to make it a safe space for anyone who has any passion for coming together to make art. Due to the Covid setbacks, I think it has brought everyone in the department together even more; we are all in the same boat.

CF: As a senior, what do you hope to leave behind as a sort of legacy/how do you want to be remembered?
SM: I want to be remembered as someone who is always a helping hand and an outlet for those who need support. 90% of my job is working with others and making sure they feel like the environment is safe. Being remembered as someone who helped create and promote that setting is very important to me.

Tickets for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum are on sale NOW at BBAtickets.com.
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