If your kids are anything like mine, they probably went through a Descendants obsession. The Disney TV movie had catchy songs, flashy costumes, and my girls were hooked. Especially Regina, who had all the Mal and Evie costumes and I’m pretty sure every book ever created. We have Mal’s spellbook (1 and 2!), Evie’s fashion book, the Auradon Prep yearbook, etc. So when our community theatre was doing a production of Descendants last summer we were pretty excited.

Maddy was the only one old enough to audition, but I got to be the rehearsal stage manager. Molly decided to tag along and name herself my assistant. Regina wanted to strictly be an audience member, but when a tech had a conflict, she stepped up to join my tech team for the final weekend of shows.

I love all of the shows I get to be a part of, and always say they are special (because they are!). But I did particularly love this one and this cast! It wasn’t a junior show, as most of the ones I work on are, so there were cast members over the age of 18. Maddy was actually the youngest cast member, having turned 12 the weekend of auditions.

I love getting to watch the process of a show coming together. From auditions (man, there are some big talents here in our little town) to watching the kids become their characters, and then getting to see everything come together to create a beautiful piece of art – it’s pretty fantastic!

At rehearsals, my job is to keep the kids on track and take down any blocking and other notes (props, questions, etc). Molly came to every rehearsal with me and took down diligent notes. She kept us on our toes for sure!

This show was the first one I attended all of dry tech for, as well. I’ve been a part of other shows, but this was the first one that I wasn’t handing the reins over completely to someone else. So on dry tech, I took down all the fly cues, my crew and I spiked all of the set pieces that would be moved on and off stage, and we fine-tuned the lights (as much as you can without actors). It’s long day, but once everything comes together it is so worth it!

Once it’s showtime, I hand over the show to a production stage manager. The thought of calling a show terrifies me! I can’t help but think I’d mess something up, then feel horribly guilty for calling the wrong fly cue and ruining the show. I much prefer to be backstage, moving set pieces, guiding the cast, and even quick changing (although that is a bit anxiety-inducing, too!). The production stage manager comes in on wet tech day and helps us get the show ready for dress rehearsals. Wet tech is a long day – the actors go through scenes slowly so we can capture the lights and be sure everything we set up on dry tech is going to work with actors in place.

The show ran for two weekends, and was a hit! The talent in this cast was phenomenal and everything about the show was so beautiful. I loved getting to see Maddy doing what she loves, and alongside the crazy talent in this show.