Student Spotlight: Bailey Coghlan

By Madison O'Leary

Many of us love watching the various productions that Sock ‘N’ Buskin puts on throughout the school year. The lights, the set, the sound effects, the music, the talented actors and actresses: it’s all incredible. However, how many of us think about what goes on behind the scenes? Bailey Coghlan, sophomore assistant stage manager, is happy to provide some insight regarding some of her achievements in Sock ‘N’ Buskin and the amount of work the stage crew puts into each production.

How long have you been part of the Sock N’ Buskin Club, and why did you decide to join?
​Bailey: “I’ve been a part of Sock N’ Buskin since my freshman year, and I decided to join because I got involved in choir around the same time. The choir and theater programs are pretty closely linked, so there was a lot of advertisement in my choir classes. So, I decided to try it out.”

What does the role of assistant stage manager entail?
B: “It entails coming to every rehearsal and being on book, which means reading along to catch missed lines. It also means setting all the props and making sure that the show runs smoothly. Sometimes, it means helping with costume changes and set changes, but basically, you’re trying to get everyone into order so they can do their own job. You’re the person who knows what needs to happen at any given point in the show, and you’re advising other people in carrying out their roles.”

What is your favorite part of being on stage crew?
B: “My favorite part about being an assistant stage manager is being able to make a greater whole, with everybody working together and making a really great production and being able to work with so many talented people.”

How has this organization positively impacted you?
B: “Sock ‘N’ Buskin has given me the opportunity to make a lot of friends, and the organization has taught me how to organize and work with other people, especially as a board member.”

What has been your favorite production so far, and why?
B: “My favorite production so far probably is Noises Off because I was just a freshman when it happened, and the set was so amazing. There were so many people working on it, and it made me enamored of the whole club.”

How much work really goes into each production?
B: “There are so many hours behind the scenes of rehearsal time and building the sets. Students are the ones who build the sets, and I would say there’s varying levels of participation, but a lot of people put in 10 to 100 hours on each show.”

What do you believe has been your biggest accomplishment so far in Sock N’ Buskin?
B: “My proudest achievement was getting inducted into the International Thespian Society last year. I got 100 hours through set and production hours and doing things for the club. I was recognized as such, and I’m still a member. It’s one of the things I’m very proud of. “

What can we look forward to in the upcoming production of Spamalot?
B: “It’s really funny, and there’s a lot of different forms of comedy. It’s very funny musically, and you’ll find times where you’re just laughing out loud at the absurdity. I think our actors execute it very well.”
 
Sock ‘N’ Buskin showcases Spamalot on May 2, 3, and 4 at 7 PM each night. 

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