Cooper High School - Talons Yearbook (New Hope, MN)

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dSenior Eric Blank adjusts the spotlight , w ,WMWWM Ww N ' ech Crew: Back Row: B. Haupt, D. Wintheiser, J. Chandler, C. Berg Middle Row: B. Berfarze, J. Hagen, J. Hill, B. Braden, T. Wendt, T. Korsmoe, B. Yonke, M Row: C. Scherwin, A. Schmidt, B. Oberly, B. Heywood, J. Robbe, E. Blank vmwaASNg . Tech Crew - 27 J

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Behind the Scenes From set construction to costumes to makeup, props, lighting, and publicity, technical theater is constantly building toward the success of a production. nI think technical theater is everything necessary to mount a production? said Jeff Phillips, director of the one-act and the auditorium manager. They are very important? There are several different groups that are involved behind the scenes. The tech crew, directed by Michael Koski, builds the scenery for all the pro- ductions. They usually build the scenery from scratch, going as far as making their own wallpaper. For the production of All the Way Home , the tech crew gathered thousands of fall leaves, pressed them, and hung each leaf to create foliage for a tree. ltts a lot of work, said junior tech member, Beth Braden; but to make it yourself - itts worth it. This group of students often stays late at night, works on weekends, and sometimes even stays overnight. Director Gretchen Heath did the coor- dinating of the publicity crews for the pro- ductions she directed, making sure that there were posters and advertising, as well as the programs. The costumers suited costumes to character, personality, and time period. The behind-the-scenes people may not be the superstars of the show, but without them, the production wouldn't be even half as successful. Next time, observing a drama produc- tion, take a close look at the scenery, notice how the lights are used for effect, and look at how the costumes seem to be a part of the character. Get the whole pic- ture and appreciate technical as well as dramatic theater. AAD Junior Cindy Berg and Senior Joan Hill pull a prop into its proper place Ab Tech Adviser Michael Koski points to add impact to his instructions b Junior Cindy Berg and Senior Jim Chandler set stairs into correct places 26 - Tech Crew

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Babes in Arms In the midst of the activities sur- rounding the twentieth anniversary celebration, there was Babes in Arms . About 5,000 people attended the 2V2 hour musical production that originally starred Judy Garland as Susie Ward and Mickey Rooney as Valentine White. Cooper seniors Wendy Reid and Tony Frederickson took the roles in the current production. The plot involved young, striving ac- tors working at a summer theater. The playhouse season included The Deep North written by and starring the egotistical Lee Calhoun and a conflict- ing revue put on by the apprentices. In the end the apprentices find a way to produce their revue, and each couple finds romance. Producing a play requires hard work and long hours. Gretchen Heath and Frank Plut directed the cast. After six intense weeks of afternoon and evening rehearsals the acting, dancing, and singing was ready to be displayed to the public. Vocal director Dan Dressen, pro- fessor of voice at St. Olaf; Marvette Knight, Kudos award winner; and Janice Kimes, a member of the Min- nesota opera company, were among the professionals brought in to assist with the show. The set was constructed by Mike Koski with the help of Wayne Alstead. Marcia Arndt and Shirley Weiler provided the costumes. Famous songs from Babes in Arms include My Funny Valentine and The Lady is a Tramp. The production ran March 1,2,3 and 8, 9,10. DA Allison Levine and Rob Berdahl wish that they were in love again. A Darcey Engen explains to Rob Berdahl, Tony Frederickson and Wendy Reid why The Lady is a Tramp. D Heidi Zahn and Tony Frederickson express their feelings for each other. 28 - Musical