Backstage crew member helps bring spectacular to life

EACH year, the Victorian State Schools Spectacular provides a stage for young people with a passion for performing arts to shine.

But not all students involved in this month’s concert at John Cain Arena will be on stage; many will be playing key roles in the operation of the event behind the scenes.

After being involved in the mass dance sections of the VSSS in previous years, Springbank’s Jayde Loriente has joined the stage management team.

“I wanted to do something a bit different,” said the Mount Clear College year 11 student.

“I’m one of the rehearsal stage managers for the State Schools Spectacular and have been going to rehearsals every two weeks, sitting in seeing what they’re rehearsing, and playing the music.

“About 15 of us are involved backstage and it’s been amazing to meet new people that I wouldn’t normally meet.

“We get to see all these talented people who are my age from state schools around Melbourne and Victoria.”

Jayde said those working behind the scenes of a major production do a lot more than the audience may expect.

“It’s always so busy without the pressure of being on stage, so I enjoy backstage a lot more,” they said.

“On the night I will be in the operations team, making sure everything outside of the performance is running well, everyone’s in the stadium and that everyone’s radios are working.

“There’s not as much stress, you meet people and hang out, and are doing something you love to do.”

Earlier this year, Jayde helped organised microphones for performers in BLOC’s 9to5 The Musical and Ballarat Lyric Theatre’s Annie, and was stage manager for BCMA’s Alice in Wonderland. They also perform on stage with BCMA.

“I really want to show people at my school that there is always other options,” they said.

“I’m looking forward to adding the State Schools Spectacular to my resume. I’d like to do backstage studies at uni.”

Jayde Loriente has gained tech, stage management and backstage experience as part of Ballarat’s theatre community.