Baldwin High School’s auditorium was transformed as the musical Footloose took the audience back to the vibrant 80s with its rock music and iconic fashion. Performed from November 20-22, the show tells the story of Ren McCormack, a teenager who moves to a small town where dancing is banned. Ren leads a rebellion alongside his friends Willard Hewitt and Ariel Moore.
Senior Brandon Firth captured Ren’s confidence and bravery through his powerful vocals, while the ensemble brought familiar hits like “Holding Out For a Hero,” “Footloose,” and “Let’s Hear it For the Boy” to life. The dedication of both the cast and crew played a crucial role in making the musical a success, highlighting the effort behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed.
As a member of KROUGH, the stage crew at Baldwin High School, I have been part of this community since 8th grade and now, as a 10th grader, I appreciate the unique perspective I have on the crew’s efforts and the casting process. Preparation for this year’s play involved a variety of tasks including painting props, constructing sets, and organizing costumes. Each crew member takes on a specific role, from managing lighting and moving props to ensure sound cues are clear.
Despite often working in the background, our collective dedication and creativity bring productions like Footloose to life. The bond within KROUGH is similar to that of a family; we spend late nights rehearsing with the cast during tech week, which deepens our connections. The ability to adapt quickly is essential, and I’m constantly amazed at how we problem-solve last-minute adjustments, whether it’s fixing a prop issue or solving unexpected challenges.
I always think of it this way: when an actor messes up on stage, they must keep improvising. It’s the same for us crew members! If a prop gets caught in the light or someone trips while moving it, the show must go on, and we just keep grooving until we leave the spotlight. Regardless of whether you’re in that spotlight or working backstage, the combined talent of the cast and crew is what makes a production truly shine.
Interestingly, just like the musical’s storyline, the roots of KROUGH can be traced back to the stage crew’s history. Upstage in the auditorium, The Well features tons of signatures from old crew members dating back to the ’80s (what a nostalgic throwback!).
For me, Footloose wasn’t just a performance; it was a proof of the dedication that everyone has to be involved in creating something bigger than themselves. The cast brought the story alive while the crew built its foundation. Being a part of that hidden artistry is what makes me proud to call myself a member of KROUGH and I want to give special shoutouts to all the seniors who have inspired me to do what I do, and what so many others will continue on.
