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Actors and Theatre Arts Guild

Love of the limelight not necessary to join

By Judy Dargis – Acting (want to be in the spotlight?) PHOTOS COURTESY OF JUDY DARGIS

The woman in black moved quietly The theatre is a place where you can You don’t have to come to AcTAG
and efficiently around the darkened utilize your innate skills as well as those “knowing how.” Of course, if you have
stage, removing, replacing and you’ve acquired throughout your life. I was previous experience, that’s great! We’ll
rearranging props in preparation for the delighted to find that my prior skills in find a place for you. Or maybe you have an
next scene. As I watched, I thought, “I business (and life) easily translated here. undiscovered talent that we can explore.
could do that.” “Gee, I didn’t know I could (fill in the
Through my involvement over the years, blank).”
That was the spark that got me into I have developed a different, deeper There will always be someone who can
AcTAG (Actors and Theatre Arts Guild) appreciation of theater. I have learned teach you, and there will be classes
more than 10 years ago. what it takes to get actors on and off to further explore your interest. And
stage on cue, develop a backstage plan, of course, there is always “on the job”
Our membership is diverse, ranging from coordinate with other team members, training.
experienced equity actors to folks like me move furniture, handle props and more. Give us a try. Our meeting schedule is
who just enjoy theater. There are many included in this Sun Rays publication. As
ways to be involved, including but not Now when I go to a play or movie or even an AcTAG member, you’ll get emails about
limited to these: watch television, I see the set design. I activities and meetings, along with access
– Set design (are you creative with see how props are used. I see the effect of to our website.
lighting on the stage and the actors. I see There is a bit of magic in theater. Come
space?) how actor movements are choreographed be a part of it.
– Set painting (good with a paint brush ?) (or “blocked”). I understand what it take
– Set construction (handy with a hammer to get the show ready for “Curtain!” ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG

and drill?)
– Costumes (like to sew and design?)
– Makeup (enjoy playing with makeup?)
– Backstage crew (want to handle props

and corral actors?)
– Stage management (good at organizing

and team development?)
– Sound (ever handled microphones and

sound systems?)
– Lights (like high-tech and a little

razzle-dazzle?)
– Ushering (want to hand out programs

and get patrons seated?)
– Play reading and selection (like to read

plays?)

106 | SUNRAYS SEPTEMBER 2016