Long before the curtain rises, months of creative planning, problem-solving and teamwork unfold behind the scenes at Carman’s Back on Cue Theatre Company (BOC).
Director Faye Harms has worked with BOC for many years, both acting and directing. She has been instrumental in keeping live theatre active in Carman
Producer Lee Collingridge says most people leave a play thinking about how it made them feel — happy, sad, inspired or even angry — without realizing the scale of preparation that makes those moments possible.
“A work of art is meant to make you feel something, and that’s always our goal,” she said. “If the performers have achieved that, the audience is completely focused on the message and not the details that made it possible.”
Back on Cue aims to select scripts that both entertain and explore meaningful social themes. The process starts with appointing a director and producer who work closely together from day one, a collaboration that contrasts with larger theatre companies where a producer typically hires an entire team. Together they consider dozens of scripts, weighing cast size, local talent and community resonance before settling on the right fit.
The director then takes responsibility for creative decisions — guiding actors through rehearsals, managing line delivery and movement, and overseeing props, set design and scheduling. Practical matters such as insurance, performance rights and liability coverage are arranged well in advance to protect everyone involved and to respect the playwright’s intellectual property.
Volunteerism remains the backbone of BOC. Carpenters construct sets and storage, stage managers track down props and costumes, and returning technicians handle lighting and sound. The production crew also includes ushers, ticket attendants and organizers who step forward each season to help the show run smoothly.
This year, BOC has also partnered with the Golden Prairie Arts Council. The council has added its promotional and technical expertise to the theatre company, and Collingridge says the partnership has strengthened BOC’s connection to the broader arts community. “We’re so pleased to be working with such a strong community builder,” she said.
Advertising begins months ahead, intensifying six weeks before opening night through posters, flyers, newspaper stories and local radio spots. Collingridge notes that strong promotion is vital for full houses and community engagement. Financing comes through ticket sales, fundraising and donations, with venue selection based on affordability, capacity and acoustic quality.
The actors themselves audition for their parts and devote weeks of evenings and weekends to rehearsals. They juggle lines, movements and emotional cues while balancing school, work and family life. Collingridge calls them the heart of the production — a group of passionate, committed people who make the performance look effortless.
This season’s play, The Horizon by Tim A. Pullen, reflects BOC’s ongoing partnerships with local wellness organizations supporting seniors. The company has also teamed up with nearby restaurants to offer Dinner and a Show packages, another effort made possible through community volunteers and organizers.
Behind every successful performance lies a small army of helpers quietly ensuring every detail is ready by opening night.
“There are so many people working behind the scenes — husbands and wives, friends, volunteers — and somehow it all comes together,” Collingridge said.
For Collingridge, the audience completes the process.
“Without you and your support, there is no show,” she said. “We hope knowing what happens behind the scenes makes you enjoy the performance even more — and maybe inspires you to join us next time.”
Back on Cue presents The Horizon on Nov. 7 and 8 at the Carman Community Hall.
