Backstage Round-Up

It's opening night for the drama kids at Trinity High! Backstage is where all the magic happens, and most of the problems! Can student director Peyton Folley handle it?

Backstage on opening night always buzzed with a nervous energy. Behind the large backdrop, those waiting for their turn to stand in the spotlight and those who always worked in the shadows whispered to one another as they tried not to think about the audience out front. Some joked around to lighten the mood, others simply sat in silence, holding hands to help relieve tension, while others worked feverishly to make sure they never missed a single cue. Backstage was an area to take a breather, to let the actors onstage fill the theater with their projected voices and melodious songs. Yes, backstage could be peaceful; a tranquil place to prepare and recharge for what was to come next. Or… it was supposed to be.

“Gosh fudging darn!” Peyton Folley swore under her breath as she tiptoed over to the closet, keeping her eyes downward to avoid stepping on a rouge hamster. Of course, of course Miles-fudging-Herzen had to bring his hamster to the opening night of the school play and of course it had to escape and of course it had to slip out of the boys changing room area and of course it had to get lost backstage among the chaos that was about fifty, sweaty teenagers running back and forth trying to reach their cues on time while avoiding the whispering masses who had nothing to do until the next scene. It was amazing. Truly amazing that Miles would even think it wise to bring a hamster to the musical in the first place. But, that was just it, Peyton realized. Miles didn’t think at all and the whole production was in danger of being jeopardized by his rampant hamster.

“Belle, we have a problem.” Peyton whispered as she walked into the prop closet. White Christmas lights hung around the shelves, casting a soft glow on the many items that the actors were to use. The stage manager looked up from her task of changing the batteries in one of the flashlights, her eyebrow rising above her large rimmed glasses.

“What kind of problem?” She asked in her calm, monotone voice.

“Miles let loose his hamster. It’s somewhere backstage.” Peyton growled, ready to punch that irresponsible brat. “I need you to spread the word for everyone to keep an eye out for it. I’ll start looking around.”

“Understood. What color is it?” Belle asked, looking down and finishing plopping the batteries into the flashlight.

“I don’t even know. Miles was extremely unhelpful.”

“Unsurprising. Grab a few techies to help. Nicole and Emmy aren’t busy until the next scene change.”

“Good, thanks.” Peyton turned on her heels and silently headed out into the dark backstage area. A song started playing and the actors onstage began singing the duet, “Coffee Shop Nights.” Peyton scowled, realizing she didn’t have a lot of time until the next change. She quickened her pace, weaving between students and set pieces as she kept her eyes peeled for Nicole, Emmy, or a hamster. The first person she found was Emmy, who was kneeling by Sean and whispering about something to do with the latest rpg game. Peyton quickly lowered herself next to the duo and they instantly turned toward her.

“There’s our favorite student director, how’s it hanging, Folley?” Sean bobbed his head back in acknowledgement.

“Need any help, Peyton?” Emmy beamed.

“Miles brought his hamster and it escaped.” Peyton muttered. Sean rolled his eyes while Emmy’s mouth dropped open. “I need you two to help me look for it. And be careful, the poor thing doesn’t need to be squashed because its owner is a complete dunce.”

“Got it!” Emmy jumped up and began wandering through the dark, looking for any sign of the critter.

“I’ll do my best,” Sean slowly pushed himself up before heading off to search. With two new helpers, Peyton felt better about the whole situation, but she still set out looking for Nicole, the perfect person to track down an animal.

“Peyton! Um… Peyton!” A hushed, small voice cried followed by the pitter patter of black ballet slippers against the floor.

“Nicole, great timing!” Peyton whispered, whirling on her feet as a girl with a black beanie covering her bright, orange hair hurried over to her. “I need you to-”

“An-anything, b-but Peyton first y-you need to come see.” Nicole’s freckled face was flushed as she motioned for Peyton to follow.

“What’s wrong?” Peyton asked softly, inwardly begging the heavens to let it be nothing serious.

“There’s a hamster onstage.” Nicole frowned, stopping by one of the entrances, hiding behind the curtain so that the audience wouldn’t see the two girls garbed in black, and pointed to a small fluff ball that was skittering around the dancing pair. Bea and Lionel both had stricken looks on their faces as they did their best to avoid stepping on the frightened creature. All at once, Peyton felt her heart pound with an odd mixture of anxiety and relief.

“Nicole, you are God sent. Now go tell Belle that you found the hamster.” Peyton ordered. “I’ll get it when the scene change happens.” Nicole nodded before running off quickly. Peyton watched the hamster closely, waiting for the song to end and for the spotlights to go dark.

The plan she formulated was simple. She had to be swift in snatching the small critter from the ground before the tech members started moving around the set. A few periaktos would be rolled on, along with a piano. All were heavy things that could send the hamster to hamster-wheel heaven with one wrong move, but as long as she was quick enough to save the pet and to get off the stage the production and the hamster’s life wouldn’t have to end prematurely.

The song reached its end, and the audience clapped. Bea and Lionel froze in their ending pose, forcing a smile as the hamster sniffed around the stage. Their gazes both flickered to Peyton, who gave them an encouraging nod. Relief flickered through their eyes and they returned their focus to maintaining their characters. The lights went out, and Peyton rushed onto stage while the audience clapped.

Unfortunately, the sudden roar of applause bewildered the tiny hamster, and it let out a series of panicked squeaks while it scampered all over the place. Stage pieces began rolling onto the scene. Peyton frowned, scanning the floor for any movement. She glanced toward the area that the piano that was being wheeled to and her heart stopped as she saw the hamster pausing in the gentle green radiance of the glow tape. Anxiety welled up in Peyton’s heart as her chocolate brown eyes flickered from the oncoming piano to the hamster and back. Without another thought, she skidded toward the hamster.

The hamster turned in a circle, unaware of the impending doom that was about to befall it; the Indiana Jones that was oblivious to the large, rolling boulder about to crush him to death. In this moment, Peyton envied the innocent hamster. For though it was confused, its ignorance protected it from the fear that Peyton felt. In this moment, the hamster was a mortal shielded from the knowledge of death, and Peyton; the otherworldly being that must shelter the creature from its unknown, oncoming tragedy.

It was a tough burden to carry.

The piano drew closer to the fuzzy pet, and was just inches away as Peyton reached out her cupped hands. In the last second, Peyton scooped up the tiny creature and fell to her knees in front of the piano. The sharp edge of the bulky instrument pierced her side and she bit back a gasp. The tech person moving the piano quickly paused as Peyton jumped up and out of the way. The techie, Rachel, stared at Peyton in disbelief and horror before Peyton motioned for her to keep moving. Rachel nodded, finishing her task as Peyton cradled the hamster in her hands and rushed backstage.

“Great job, Peyton!”

“Nice one, Folley,”

“Oh thank goodness, she’s alright!” The whispered praises came from a sudden mob of friends. Peyton let out a sigh, holding up the small rodent, who was scurrying around her hand.

“Where’s Miles?” Peyton asked in her hushed voice. It would be good for him to know that his hamster was safe, but she wasn’t sure it would be a good idea to return the pet to him when the show was still in progress and they had another showing that night.

“Nicole here gave him a proper chastising.” Sean nudged the redhead, whose cheeks grew pink as she looked down.

“I j-just couldn’t l-let him get away with that!” She whispered almost silently. “He put an innocent creature in danger! That’s unforgivable!”

“Nicole’s pretty hardcore when she wants to be.” Emmy bumped her hips against Nicole’s playfully. Nicole only shook her head quickly, shuffling around sheepishly.

“Well, Nicole, I trust you to look after the hamster, would you be able to keep it in your backpack for now?” Peyton asked quickly, holding out the hamster to Nicole.

“I-I can’t today, I’m sorry.” Nicole frowned, tugging on her hair. “Remember the abandoned kitten we found during P.E.? It’s sleeping in my bag…”

“Dang.” Peyton pursed her lips. That was right; Nicole had discovered the box when they got to the park near the school. She couldn’t leave the unwanted, tan and white colored kitten out in the cold and harsh world. Without letting the teacher notice, she picked up the kitty and with her best friend’s help she smuggled the kitten back to school and kept it in her backpack. She feed it pieces of tuna at lunch and shared her water with it. Everyone at the table instantly helped her protect it from the teachers in exchange for a chance to pet the kitten.

“Belle can probably handle it!” Emmy suggested. “There’s that basket we never ended up using! She can keep it in there until the show is over.”

“Good idea.” Peyton nodded. “Will you take it to her?” Peyton offered the hamster to Emmy. Emmy nodded determinedly, giving a salute before accepting the pet. The hamster sniffed her uncertainly before jumping into her palm and cleaning its face with its tiny paws.

“Awww,” Nicole cooed before Emmy marched the saved animal to the prop closet. Peyton sighed, letting out all the stress she had felt during that wild search. She was going to need to sit down for a while.

“Come on, Folley, you need a break.” Sean nodded toward the wall that was surprisingly clear of people. Peyton nodded and together the three made their way to the wall. Sean slid down it smoothly, Nicole gracefully sat down, and Peyton plopped to the ground.

“Opening night sure is off to a great start.” Sean commented dryly as they stared at the backdrop, looking toward the light that trickled through it, offering a dim glow for them to see with.

“Don’t even.” Peyton groaned. “It’s still just the matinee.”

“I’m sure tonight will be better!” Nicole encouraged.

“Hopefully.” Peyton muttered out on an exhale. The three were quiet for a moment as they listened to what was happening onstage. It was the dialogue just before one of the most heartfelt songs. Lionel’s character was asking about how to write music, and the character played by Hugh was about to explain the process through song, as is expected from a musical.

“I’m still amazed that Miles thought it would be a good idea to let his hamster run loose backstage.” Sean chuckled as the music started.

“He’s an idiot.” Peyton grumbled. “But thanks to Nicole, the little guy is safe now.” Peyton turned towards the young girl whose eyes were fixed on the backdrop. Peyton gave her a nudge, and Nicole tilted her head slightly.

“Y-Yes?” She asked distractedly, keeping her eyes on the backdrop as the music and Hugh’s singing filled the room.

“Don’t bother, she gets like this every time ‘I Miss the Music’ plays.” Sean shook his head with amusement shining in his eyes.

“It’s just so sweet.” She sighed, returning her full attention to the song. Peyton raised an eyebrow as she shared a glance with Sean, who shrugged his shoulders with an easygoing grin. He leaned back against the wall, his dark green gaze flickering to Nicole with a hint of amusement and something else that Peyton couldn’t name in his eyes. Too tired to dwell on it, she leaned back as well, listening to the bittersweet song as she took a breather.

This was her favorite part about backstage; relaxing after a bit of work and listening to the dialogue and lyrics that she knew by heart. With the cool air on her cheeks and the dim lights setting a tranquil tone, it was hard to not sit for a moment, enjoying the sounds onstage, the whispers backstage, and the knowledge that the audience was enjoying one heck of a show. Yes, backstage could be truly wonderful from time to time.

“Peyton!” An urgent voice whispered. Peyton turned her head, frowning as she saw Belle run over to her.

“What’s the matter?” Peyton asked, pushing herself to her feet.

“Rick stepped on one of the flashlights while changing and now his foot is bleeding.” Belle explained quickly, adjusting her glasses nervously. Peyton’s eyes bugged out and Sean let out a low whistle while Nicole gasped.

“Where is he now?” Peyton asked, gesturing for Sean to stand up. “Sean, with me.”

“I have him in the prop closet. We’re going to need someone to clean his wound and to check his clothes and the area around them-”

“Sean, you’re in charge of his clothes, check out the changing area and get the guys there to help you pick up the pieces of the flashlight.”

“On my way.” Sean promised, swiftly weaving past others to get to the changing room.

“Should I do anything?” Nicole whispered. Peyton glanced down and shook her head.

“No need, you’re fine for now, but thanks.” Peyton offered a smile before following Belle to the prop closet to dress a wound. She took a deep breath, trying to relax as she told herself everything was fine. Whatever was thrown at her, she would handle to the best of her abilities.

Backstage. She mused with a dry sense of humor. Sometimes it was absolute hell.

Author's Note

My main goal with this piece is to work on further developing characters! If you have any comments on their dialogue, behavior, ect, I'd love to hear them! Also any comments on how to improve/what works well in the storytelling would be great! Thank you for your time!

Reviews

[Craig Harbor]

I like this story. There's not too many characters, which makes it very easy for the reader to categorize the characters and tell them apart. I like the way you've given some of the different characters different styles of speech and body language. Story wise it's a great way to introduce the team and see if interesting things are going to happen to them. I'd like to see the group tested by some tougher theatrical issues, (don't get me wrong, I know the horrors of an untrained animal on the stage) and maybe get to know this Miles chap a bit more!