The Fairy Tales Behind the Stage: “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon”

The Drama Club of PVCC presented The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon as the 2023 Spring show on April 7 and 8 in the evenings at V. Earl Dickinson Main Stage Theatre. The show was about fairy tales in modern life as a fun, exciting comedy. The cast and crew were PVCC student volunteers. The student leaders were able to find ways to use talented students efficiently. Backstage, everyone was occupied with something. There was a special bond, teamwork, and communication between everyone at tech nights when the technical team and cast partnered before the main show. 

In a brief interview with Emily Thomas Clarke and Becelia Gabriela (Gaby), the first-time director duo, said their success for partnership was the result of communication, listening and creating a trustworthy space with their crew. Making decisions and ordering their crew seemed much easier and less stressful, but they chose the harder way: asking, listening and paying attention to everyone’s opinion. They focused on finding each individual’s talent. 

The director team and stage manager were able to educate their team about each student’s rights and the policies of the theater. They reminded their cast about each person’s preferred name and pronunciation as a sign of respect. During challenges, their self-awareness by using breathing techniques behind the stage at tech nights to relax their minds and lead respectfully was impressive. 

Sidney Lyons, one of the actors, shared their frustration at the beginning of the show when they didn’t know others. But quickly they were able to create bonds with others and make friends. Sidney said, “I am mostly shy and quiet, and my first act onstage felt scary but made me gain passion to be louder and built more confidence.”

Luis (Tony) Meras Lizardo, another actor, said, “I wish we had more than two nights to perform.” He continued, “The quick bond between the crew was the result of mutual goal and care for show success, that led everyone to put their 100 percent.” He shared that his ideas and comments were validated, respected, and taken seriously by the leaders. 

Rory Adams enjoyed costuming the crew as well as acting. This was his first costuming experience. He had to use creativity in making decisions for everyone’s costume, though his crew’s confidence was very important. He said, “I needed to make sure the team can trust me over their bodies and insecurities. This opportunity helped me get out of my shell more.” He continued, “I felt much better after the show.” He spent time with the actors and the director team and created colorful, funny, and old-modern fashion mix costumes for the crew. 

Head makeup artist Lou Marshall shared that trust and safety was important for them. Lou said, “Some of the actors never had the makeup experience before and building trust was important in order for the crew to accept the makeup offer.” 

Lou believed the cooperation between costuming and the listening ability from directors and stage manager was their key to success. They said, “At the start of the process, everything was a mess and with mutual respect and communication, the show ended up more professional and satisfying.” Lou continued, “I miss everyone already. I made new friends, and this experience made me love theater and created more passion towards theater makeup.”