Techies can be pretty intimidating. We're always running around trying to make sure everything is in working order, and we do have a bit of a reputation of being perpetually jaded or annoyed with... everyone. Most techies have pretty thick skin, but we do have a bit of a soft side. So, here's 15 things techies know, and don't want you to find out!
1. We love our job.
No, seriously! I know it's hard to believe because most of us look like we're in a constant state of anger or sadness or confusion or frustration, but don't worry! We actually are enjoying ourselves. It wouldn't be the job we love without all the negative emotions that come with it!
2. We want to be there.
This isn't like in high school when anyone who didn't make the show just did tech instead. We're in it for the long haul, my friend! We're there because we like it and because it's what we want to do.
3. We don't always know what we're doing.
"Um... try turning it off and on again?"
4. We like the music.
We'll pretend to be annoyed by it (mostly because Toledo Surprise is still stuck in our heads!), but if you think we're not listening to the songs from the show in the car on the way to rehearsal, you should see our music libraries...
5. We don't like that costume piece either.
"What? Oh, no I'm... not allowed to have an opinion. But if I had one, I'd think you were beautiful! Yes. No, I'm not lying!" (We totally are.)
6. We sing in the shower, too.
Often just as loudly as the actors do. Hey, no one can resist belting out that note at the key change! You know the one.
7. We're rooting for you backstage.
An actor's been having trouble hitting a high note lately? We're listening to the backstage monitors and you can bet we cheer a little bit when they get it (or wince a little when they don't).
8. We don't have prop detectors built in our brains.
I know that you think we do (and believe me, we want to!), but if you don't know where your prop is, we probably don't either.
9. We care about your safety more than aesthetics.
If you ever feel unsafe, we can't fix it unless you tell us! You can't perform if you're dead.
10. Not all of us are introverts
We like people! We like parties! We like friends! (Well, most of us.)
11. We saw that. Don't say "saw what?"
You know exactly what. Don't do it again. You're not as sneaky as you think you are, my friend. Sometimes we do miss things (often on purpose) if what you're doing is harmless. But don't do it again!
12. We don't always wear all black backstage.
Sometimes it's really, really dark blue. See, we can be rebels! We break the rules!
13. We get in trouble, too.
Everybody makes mistakes, yeah? Technicians are no exception.
14. Not all of us like to be called "techies."
While most of us don't mind the affectionate nickname, some of us don't like to be called "techie." I guess for many it harkens back to the days of when it was just another hobby for most people, and sometimes it can be hard to be taken seriously when people are calling you something that makes you sound vaguely like an adolescent gremlin. I guess the best thing to call us besides our name is our title unless told otherwise. Or just "technician."
15. We don't hate the actors.
As much as we may complain about how frustrating you are, we know that we need you just as much as you need us. If actors didn't exist, there wouldn't be anyone to dress, or mic up, or light, or... well, you get the idea.
