Kids play big role in production
News
Posted 1 month ago
Richard Saad
Standard Reporter
Looking after a group of children is no easy task. For the Rosebud production of Oliver!, which is running from now until the end of August at Rosebud Theatre, the role of child wrangler is one of the most difficult and important jobs a person could possibly get.
That responsibility fell to assistant stage manager Belinda Jackson, who has been a member of the Rosebud resident company for the past five years.
She is tasked with making sure the cast of 22 children, who are divided into groups of eight to play the chorus in the production, get to their performances on time and with the proper preparation.
"My main job is to look after the kids and to make sure they know where they need to go," said Jackson, who graduated from the Rosebud School of the Arts Mentorship Technical Theatre program in 2009.
"I get to hang out backstage with them to make sure they have everything they need."
By dividing the young cast into groups of eight, Jackson's job is made a little easier then when in charge of the entire cast all at once. The children's ages range from as young as eight to as old as 15. Eight of the children are from Strathmore, while others are from the surrounding area, including Calgary, Olds and Standard.
Although the ages of the chorus vary, Jackson said the approach to the way the children are handled and treated is the same across the board. Because the
children are excited about taking part in the production, there aren't any real problems of personality to deal with.
In fact, the most challenging part of being a child wrangler is keeping count of the children.
"Keeping track of them all is the most difficult part," said Jackson. "I'm constantly counting heads."
Despite being a difficult responsibility, Jackson finds the job has a lot of perks. For one, she gets to spend time with actors and performers who are just starting out, which means they have a high level of enthusiasm and energy that is infectious.
Jackson, on more than one occasion, finds that the children bring up the energy level of the people around them, imbuing them with a sense of renewed optimism and energy in the production.
In the end, the production of Oliver! is better off for it.
"They are all so excited to be a part of the production and I'm constantly amazed at the energy they bring every day," said Jackson. "They are all so eager and so enthusiastic every week, which is wonderful."
For Zachary Anderson, a 13-year old from Strathmore in his first big play, the process of working with so many other kids his age has been a great opportunity to learn more about Oliver! and the process of acting on stage in front of large audiences.
"Some of the kids here are from Strathmore as well and they know what it's like to be in this kind of thing, so it's nice to be around them and learn from them," said Anderson, who is going into Grade 8 at Crowther Memorial in the fall.
Anderson said he is amazed at the amount of effort and work that goes into such a large production like this one, especially the work that Jackson has been putting into the show to ensure the chorus is prepared every day.
"She's a great person and I have a lot of fun with her," said Anderson, adding that he and Jackson share a common love of books.
"Whenever we're not on stage, she's always looking after us and making sure we are doing well."
Oliver! is running at Rosebud Theatre until August 29, with matinee and evening times.
