San Juan Community Theatre Family Theatre: Taking it to the Back of House

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, November 9, 2016

As Youth and Family Program Director Penelope Haskew set out to choose her seventh family theatre play for San Juan Community Theatre (SJCT), she was struck by the emphasis on one musical on what she calls the “unsung heroes” of the theater: backstage crews.

She was particularly hooked by a song in “The Grunch” by Betina Hershey and Denver Casado. “It’s about how while the stage crew may not be on stage when the curtain’s up, they’re definitely part of the magic,” said Penelope.

Penelope, who is also SJCT’s production assistant, grew up in community theater; and as she has developed SJCT’s youth and family theatre programs these past seven years, she has consistently worked to ensure that those involved in her productions (both children and adults), understand what goes on behind the scenes. The actors are encouraged to participate in set building and painting. And in the most recent family theatre productions, including this year’s, she has placed the parent actors dancing and entertaining as they change scenes — bringing some of the backstage to onstage. “It’s important that everyone in the production feels valued and included — each is integral to its success,” said Penelope. “It’s especially nice to be able to introduce that to the younger participants.”

SJCT Family Theatre: November 17-20

The Grunch tells the story of Rudy Grunch, a grumpy sixth grader who always feels like an outsider. When the entire school gets excited about the annual school musical, he comes up with a perfect plan to ruin it for everyone; he’ll steal the sets, costumes and lights the night before it opens. But will the spirit of theater prevail?