Crew Recognition

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Crew Recognition

Posted: 12/17/11 at 8:17pm

This happened at Spider-Man's opening night, rightfully so, but I was just wondering if this has happened at any other Broadway shows were the crew was brought on to "bow"..

Updated On: 12/17/11 at 08:17 PM

Crew Recognition

Posted: 12/18/11 at 9:54pm

They did not perform in the show. They get a paycheck, that's enough. If they wanted to be onstage they would join AEA and become actors.

I think that is WAY harsh. As an Actor/Tech myself I think the crew should get more recognition. THEY RUN THE SHOW. Without the crew, nothing would happen. I have worked on many shows where I felt the crew should get an onstage bow. The crew does good to get their name spelled right and their correct job title. So, no, a paycheck is not enough. I believe the crew deserves more than what they get. If you have never been on both sides of this, then you don't know what it's like. I am speaking from both sides of the spectrum here.

Crew Recognition

Posted: 12/18/11 at 10:43pm

I am in no way belittling what crew members do, and I have been on both sides of it.

But I think asking for more recognition is excessive. It is understood that they make the show go- they are the unseen presence, the cogs that make the machine run. They are compensated very well. If they get more recognition, will the company manager? The ushers? The dressers and hair/wig people? They are equally as vital to making sure the goes on.

"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

Crew Recognition

Posted: 12/18/11 at 11:12pm

It's also a "if one guy does it, everyone should do it" situation -- the stage manager deserves a bow more than anyone else but s/he can't take a bow because they have to call the shots, the ushers have to make sure people get out OK, the lighting and sound operators are working and are in the back of the house, the orchestra is playing, etc. Most people on the crew are working and doing their job/getting ready for the next performance, so they can't take a bow.

I've worked on all sides (orchestra pit, backstage/offstage/production, actor, usher, etc.) - I get it. It's tough. The best kind of recognition for crew is being thanked by an actor, though.

Crew Recognition

Posted: 12/18/11 at 11:41pm

And WHO determines who gets a bow, and who doesn't?

Additionally: the audience would have NO idea for whom they were applauding or why. Hooray for the guy that moves the desk on and off a lift? Sure, it needs to be done, but let's face it: it's not art. These days, less and less past the DESIGN aspect is art.

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

Crew Recognition

Posted: 12/19/11 at 12:11am

I've heard that some Cirque du Soleil shows have a crew bow.

The director in consultation with the producer would determine the curtain call.

And most people that work offstage would not want to bow anyway.

Crew Recognition

Posted: 12/19/11 at 9:02am

Well damn SondheimFan5... My question was about opening nights. . Not regularly.

Spider-Man's opening night was different than usual shows, it was a joyous occasion for the cast and crew, and the recognition at the end was deserved, that crew did unbelievable things. I'm sure no one came out to celebrate who didn't want to. I was interested in any other shows that have felt an importance to highlight their team, including the people who ultimately run the show. And yes, we know when stepping into a creative or technical position we will go unnoticed, but opening nights are different.

I'm surprised by this negative reaction towards the crew. then again, I asked a question on Broadwayworld.

#10

Crew Recognition

Posted: 12/19/11 at 10:11am

I'm all for it on opening nights. With shows getting as insanely complicated as they are, which means techs that rattle on and on and on and on, a little recognition for the folks who move the freaking desk on and off *would* be nice. Otherwise, when the show's over, we might as well just close the curtain and send the audience on their way: after all, arent the actors just there to do a job? The guys in the orchestra? The conductor? Pfft — who are these people and why am I applauding them?

(... except Jan Maxwell, of coruse.)

http://docandraider.com

#11

Crew Recognition

Posted: 12/19/11 at 1:28pm

After seeing Les Mis, I thought the crew should have gotten some recognition. You can vaguely see them throughout the entire show, moving things on and off that turntable. There were some moments back there that looked more choreographed than what was happening onstage.

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