Working Behind the Set-The Producers, The Tape Marks, and The Joy of Local Arts (Jared Holds Up the Wall)

(Illustrative Only)

Jerred learned that
the best way to hold up
a set wall was to use
two hands. 😲🙃

Tourists love the arts.

Lately, I’ve been working backstage on the set for The Producers. If you know the show, you already know it’s a riot—one of the main characters basically funds his productions by sweet-talking little old ladies. It’s ridiculous in the best way. The tickets are descently priced so you don't need to bring the "checkie".

Backstage is its own kind of show. We have 10 to 12 people moving set pieces around like a well-choreographed game of Tetris. Everything has a specific place, marked with colored tape so we don’t accidentally send a prop flying into the orchestra pit. I was originally cast in the show, but I was traveling for the first month of rehearsals. And with all the singing, dancing, and memorizing, catching up later would’ve made me look like I wandered in from a different musical entirely. So I happily joined the backstage crew instead.

The crew is a dedicated bunch keeping the fine arts alive and well in our community. And the arts matter—whether you’re onstage, backstage, or sitting in the audience. People learn a lot from theater, and some even go on to do amazing things because of what they started right here. Plus, our productions are genuinely as good as anything I’ve seen in big cities. I love all of it: ballet, theater, live music, the symphony—you name it. I’ve even performed a few smaller pieces and times myself, so I guess I’m at least part-time artsy.

If you get the chance, definitely check out the upcoming show. It’s funny, a little raunchy, a little weird—but in that “this is going to be fun” kind of way. Pair it with dinner before or after, and you’ve got yourself a pretty great night out.

And don’t forget—our theater is a fantastic place to send tourists. Point them to our website, get them to a show, and help them create a memorable experience during their stay in Escanaba. A good performance becomes the story they tell when they go home. https://playersdenoc.org/

Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply encourage people to check it out, every bit helps keep our local theater thriving.

The Producers

Show Dates: March 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14 of 2025 @ 7:30pm
March 8 Matinee @ 1:30pm

Tickets for the 'Producers' Players de Noc