A theatrical production would not be complete without the efforts of three significant, behind the scenes positions, those of stage manager, lighting and sound designer. The stage manager helps to coordinate the work to prepare the show for the stage. This job requires technical knowledge, organization, attention to detail, a passion for the performing arts and the ability to work in a team environment. The lighting designer collaborates with the director to determine the initial lighting plan. Without the proper lighting, the production would be severely impacted, if not impossible. Intertwining creativity with technical expertise, the sound designer will analyze scripts and collaborate with the director, stage manager and lighting designer to produce the desired sound effects in the theater.

Dan See, the stage manager for “the Cemetery Club,” envisions his role “as a problem solver for all issues during the run of the show. I ensure that everything runs smoothly and as planned by the director.” See has been a very active participant with Sun City Players not only as a stage manager, but also as an actor, singer and director.

“I really enjoy directing as I look at it as the creative process of bringing the playwright’s work from the page to the stage through the art of people. By doing so, I can offer a piece of entertainment to the audience,” said See.

Tad Daughters will be handling the stage and house lighting for “The Cemetery Club.” According to Daughters, “lighting helps set the mood for the action in the play, in addition to letting the audience know when the performance is about to start and end.”

Daughters has been a stalwart member of Sun City Players, having acted in 19 plays, sometimes portraying multiple roles. He has also helped with set construction, set painting, play production, stage crew, ticket selling, ushering and membership. He is content “to take on whatever task is needed in a production to make sure that the play is a success.” Daughters is currently serving on the executive board.

Mike Dvorak started providing sound design for Sun City Players in 2016, when he was working for RCSC in the entertainment division. He joined the theater group at that time. Dvorak now continues to offer his services during his retirement years. He is responsible for looking over the equipment, checking connections, maintaining sound quality, and coordinating with the lighting designer and stage manager.

Dvorak began his “theater” career in college as a broadcasting major. In fact, he deejayed at one time for one of the top 50 radio markets in Michigan. He also has the distinction of being one of the youngest city mayors in the state of Michigan. “I was always great at public speaking, but never tried my hand at acting because I could not memorize lines,” he stated.

“The Cemetery Club” will be presented 7 p.m. March 15, 16, 22 and 23 and 2 p.m. March 17 and 24 at Mountain View Recreation Center, 9749 N. 107th Ave. Tickets are $15 and are available at suncityplayers.org. One can also purchase tickets in person at Fairway Recreation Center, 10600 W. Peoria Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon Monday–Thursday during the weeks of March 11-14 and March 18-21.