BWW Blog: Amanda Grillo - An Actor Who Does Both

For those that don't know, I personally identify as a "techtor". This term came to me one day when I was scrolling through Pinterest. It means an actor who is also a techie. Most people will pick one or the other and solely focus on one. That is honestly great for them. I, however, find that I am not alone in my adventure to learn everything. Several people that I've worked with are actors that also do tech or are techies that also act.

My philosophy when I first started theatre was to just do tech whenever I didn't get cast in a show. I first auditioned for a show in sixth grade. Naturally, having no prior experience, I wasn't in the best mindset to go in for an audition. I was a nervous, shy kid that just wanted to fit in. Right before I went on stage, the tech moderator who was helping facilitate the auditions told me, "Hey, if you don't get cast, you should come do stage crew. We're a lot of fun. I promise." Well, I didn't get cast and I went to the stage crew meeting the very next day. From that day on, I was hooked. I wanted to know all of the backstage tips and tricks that made a show flow seamlessly.

In eighth grade, I actually got cast in my first play and was given the opportunity to try my hand at acting. I soon learned to love that too. In high school, I would often do both in the same show because the stage crew was so small many ensemble members doubled as run crew. As an art club member, I worked my way up the ranks to eventually be the set painting head and eventual designer. I did all of this behind the scenes work while being in the ensemble of the musicals. Even now, in college, I still manage to take part in as many aspects of theatre as I can. I do my best to learn as much as I can from every aspect and to be as well rounded as I possibly can.

As time goes on, I learn new things every day. One of the biggest lessons I have learned in my adventure to attempt to do everything is time management. Make it set and clear from the start how involved you are going to be. You do not want to spread yourself too thin. If you even have the opportunity to participate in both tech and performance in the same productions, take into account your roles. It may not be the best idea to try and take care of two major roles (in tech and in the production). For example if you are in a show as a major role, it might not be smart to take on large responsibilities in tech such as being one of the designers. If you still are interested in helping backstage: come in on build days and help the construction crew build the set, help the publicity team circulate posters, or if it doesn't conflict with your entrances and exits, help a fellow actor with a difficult quick change if they need it.

Being exposed to all of these different aspects of theatre has given me a special appreciation for each position involved in making a production successful. I have learned many lessons in theatre and in life. I have developed such a passion for theatre as a whole that no matter what position I am I strive to give one hundred and ten percent in every production I do.

Photo Credit: Amanda Grillo