More Than a Show: Learning Behind the Scenes at RHS

Lights, camera, action - wait, who runs those? 

We all know what happens when the curtain opens and the magic of the theatre takes center stage. But we don't always think about what's happening behind it: the people running backstage, answering questions on headsets, and scrambling to keep the magic of the theater alive. For the Rifle High School theatre students, they aren’t simply helping with the production: they’re running it.

Rifle Theatre teacher Megan Liggett estimates that about 90% of their productions are student run, giving students ownership over everything from props and sound to backstage operations and crew management. 

That student ownership takes many forms across the entire theatre program, with each student taking on a role that helps bring productions to life. Students like Stage Manager Madison Bauman helps coordinate the cast and crew, keeping everyone on track and giving directions throughout a production. Prop Master Cristina Heredia Lerma leads her own team in creating and managing the props that help bring each production to life. And Crew Captain Jackson Sebesta takes on a major leadership role in the technical theatre world behind the curtain, helping oversee the crews, sets, props and backstage operations that keep the show moving.

“The thing I don’t think most people realize is how much I have to move to make sure everyone is where they need to be,” Sebesta said. 

But these types of backstage responsibilities don't solely fall on just a few students. Across the theatre program, students take on a wide variety of their own roles and responsibilities, constantly working together to keep each production moving. 

And the work they’re doing goes far beyond putting on a show. 

Liggett explains that her theatre tech students learn a variety of skills, ranging from practical hands-on skills with tools and art supplies to building communication and team building skills. 

“All of my kids really step up to the plate… they know they can take risks, and they know they can do big and bold things.”

Behind every RHS production is more than a crew making sure the show goes on. It’s an education in creativity, leadership, collaboration and learning how to bring big ideas to life.