From actors to choreographers, stage crew to set design; many components are needed to pull off a strong theatre show. Months before production, teacher and director Lisa Drummond stays in constant contact with her stage manager, choreographer and many others to begin prepping all aspects of a show.

“Obstacles always arise no matter what,” says Drummond. “This is why prepping for a performance in advance is the best way to alleviate any potential obstacle that might arise.”

To accomplish this, many hands and minds are required on deck. For example, their most recent performance, “The Wedding Singer,” had a cast of 27-30 people including actors, deck hands, costume and makeup artists, lighting and sound engineers, prop builders, a stage manager and an assistant stage manager, to name a few.

Diablo Valley College student Christina Noack was the stage manager for the “The Wedding Singer,” and last year’s performance “Zombie Prom.” She makes sure everything runs smoothly with both tech and actors.

It is not an easy task, to say the least, since it is primarily her responsibility (not the teacher or director’s) to make sure everyone is on the same page.

However, there are always difficulties, especially when a student is overseeing other students.

“It can sometimes be hard to direct my peers because I am not that much older than them,” Noack says. “And they may not trust me as much as they would trust Lisa in some cases.” Despite this, Noack says, “We have a really great group and we work well together adapting where we need and having fun too.”

With a musical, a choreographer is usually needed. In the case of the “The Wedding Singer,”Amanda Boyan, choreographer of five years and a DVC student  takes the reigns as well as the challenge.

This being her third major production, Boyan has had some struggles but also lots of success. Boyan shares some challenges she has faced:

“Every production comes with its own set of challenges, like how to incorporate everyone with various skill levels in a way that works with the performance; it can get a little tricky.”

Choreography is a huge job that requires someone that really loves theatre and acting along with the ability to dance and teach.

One of the most important aspects of a theatre performance is the set design and props that go with the actors. DVC freshman Wallace Yan has taken on the huge task of props for these fall 2014 performances.

Yan comes from the Clayton Arts Academy and Drummond describes him as as “the tech god, and we are so lucky to have him on the team.”

Having talents in all aspects of theatre both on and off stage, Yan thrives in the art of prop making.

“It is my favorite thing to do. It encompasses all that I like about theatre into one job; the perfect fit for me.”

So the next time you see a performance, whether at your local high school, college or a big theatre production, remember that a lot of effort from many talented individuals is needed to show their art and passion to the viewer.