Stage Crew behind the Scenes Masters
They don't get their names put up in lights, but the Huntington High School stage crew plays a vital role in annual fall and spring drama club productions. Without the group, it would be impossible to stage the type and quality of shows to which local theater-goers have grown accustomed.
Veteran stage crew faculty advisor Ken Gilbert has been leading a group of nearly three dozen student members that toiled countless hours on the fall production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The stage crew could be found in and around the auditorium after school and at night for much of the past two months.
This fall's stage managers are Justin Fleiss, Marc Solomowitz and Ashley Veliz. Christine Powers heads-up the sound unit while Wilmarie Aviles leads paint design. Gabe Goldman and Mike Lambui are in charge of lighting.
The stage crew also includes Crystal Alvarado, Jessica Baik, Allison Bauer, Lauren Bialkowski, Andrea Cerini, Sheila Cruz, Felicia Dovglas, Jessica Flores, Robert Folan, Andrew Funk, Alexa Kaplan, Christen King, Zoe Laurie, Hannah Lomele, Alexandria Madriota, Melena Mills, Erin Plante, Paul Rodriquez, Sebastian Rojoas, Roxana Saravia, Anna Shmulak, Victoria Tito, Alex Ulloa, Maria Veliz, Lianah Waite and James Walsh.
The actors have no doubt about the critical role the stage crew plays in the ultimate success of any dramatic or musical production. Actors and stage crew members are all part of the "same big happy family" according to those familiar with the drama club.
"Without the expertise of Ken Gilbert and his stage crew we would not look or sound nearly as good as we do now," said Michael Schwendemann, the drama club's faculty advisor. "They are an invaluable asset to every production that we do at the high school."