This year’s annual Kick-Off event at Goshen College was marked by dynamic performances, unexpected challenges, and teamwork behind the scenes. With meticulous coordination of stagehands and managers, Kick-Off demonstrated not just the talent of the performers, but also the vital contributions of everyone involved, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.

As the show began, Dontaye Albert, a senior theater major, took center stage with his “cow” and set an energetic tone for the performance. Later, Phil Witmer-Rich made a grand entrance but forgot his mic. 

Fortunately, the crew members were prepared with extras. Someone from the tech box quickly handed him a microphone, while someone from backstage stepped in to confirm the problem was already fixed. 

Kick-Off is an event here at Goshen College intended to showcase the talents of students, and the stagehands play a crucial role in ensuring everything runs smoothly. They guide the performers, transport the props in and out, including the piano, and communicate with the lights booth. Essentially, they are the backbone of the show. 

Katie Dunderman and Emma Campbell were the two managers that worked on the show. It was Dunderman’s first time stage managing. “I liked it a lot because I got to dress up and not just have to wear tech black the whole time,” she said.  

In addition to Kick-Off, she also stage managed for the international violin piano competition. “It’s fun for me when I get to feel like a professional,” said Dunderman. 

On the other hand, Campbell had worked last year’s Kickoff but it was her first time leading it, and also her first show of the year after she got back from Study Service Term in Ecuador. “I think it’s only gotten better since the years have gone on,” Campbell said. 

The show continued and they gave instructions in case of fire, which seemed unnecessary at the moment until the alarm went off. 

Before and during the show, the stage had been clouded with a haze effect, a fog fluid that is bumped into a stage hazer to create mist-like droplets that enhance lighting effects. Brody Thomas, performance venue production manager, said, “It made this cool beam thing going on, like it’s very moody. The theme was Wild West so it kinda looks like a Wild West saloon.” 

They had to test the haze a few times, and earlier in the week, they tested again and after about two hours no alarms went off. “I don’t think there’s anything I could have done better than what I did in testing it,” Thomas said. 

Regardless, the haze set the fire alarm off, despite the precautions taken. Luckily, during the show the building was in test mode so the fire department was not called. “Nobody came, which is good because it would be a ‘fun’ thing to say, ‘Actually, it’s just water,’” said Campbell.

At first, crew and audience alike were a little confused whether the show would keep on going. Then the crew quickly contacted Thomas.

“That’s when I had to come out on stage and say, actually we have to evacuate, it’s policy,” said Dunderman. “I’m really proud of my team and the way that we handled it though, it was very smooth and in and out within 10 minutes,” she added. 

Kick-Off proved to be a success with the hosts, performers, audience participation and hard work of the crew. “I’m very proud of my backstage crew. They’re good and they are not seen. As much as I can, I elevate them.” Thomas said. 

“Being a part of it is definitely a lot of hard work, but honestly I think being in it is a lot more fun,” Dunderman said.