Rock of Ages: Broadway at Viterbo
T
he Rock of Ages Tour came to campus, resulting in the Fine Arts Center in need of a new roof. Also in its wake, students and community members alike have lived and experienced a Broadway show, right here on campus!
But what exactly goes into making a legendary event like Rock of Ages happen? Is it all worth it? With ticket in hand, I went to Viterbo’s Fine Arts Center to find out.
With a show full of rock and roll, it certainly left audience members high on adrenaline. “I wasn’t sure how to react”, recollected Izabel Larsen, a freshman (BFA Acting major) at Viterbo, “I felt like I was at a rock concert! I wanted to jump up, dance, crowd-surf, maybe start a ‘mosh pit’, I don’t know.”
“It’s so convenient for those who don’t have the time or money to go to New York or Chicago and see a Broadway show.” Larsen, like many students on campus, took advantage of reduced ticket costs in order to celebrate the career she dreams of. “As a performer, watching shows lights that spark, it motivates me to continue auditioning and working toward the career these professionals have.”
Aside from the thrill of being an audience member, students and faculty of the FAC were excited by the chance to earn a brand new set of skills. Doug Wilken (operations coordinator and audio specialist) stated, “We expand our employee’s skillset and assist in networking with professionals who work broadway shows.”
Wilken was also kind enough to explain to how they put on a show of such magnitude. “Early in the morning, semi-trucks and tour buses pull in carrying cast, crew, and set pieces. It’s our job to help unload and get to work”, explained Wilken, “As soon as the show is done, and the audience has left, we start the whole process again.”
Intrigued by this overwhelming task, I asked Wilken how they tackle this challenge. “Move-in is often referred to as ‘controlled chaos’, I don’t think of it as that. It is systemic, routine, and safe, as we are professionals who act accordingly.”
With a famous Broadway show coming to campus, large crowds are sure to follow. I caught up with Bridget Misch (Event operations coordinator) to ask how her team controls the masses. “Typically the crowds are quite larger, and sometimes rowdier, than other shows that use our space”, replied Misch. “A bigger show requires more people to volunteer”
Luckily, Misch is aided by Viterbo students, of a verity of majors, as well as, La Crosse community members. She also adds that “Ushering is a fantastic way for students to work on customer service, assisting people of multiple generations, then of course, management and problem solving.”
As you can see, It takes a special assortment of professionals, as well as, theater goers to make Broadway at Viterbo. As a lover of the theatre myself, I encourage all those at Viterbo to engage in these rare events in order to insure its presence on our campus.