Wagga's Specialist Medical Resources Foundation fundraiser Life in the Spotlight's behind the scenes

Life in the Spotlight’s stage manager and production manager said it involves quick costume changes, a lot of organisation and quick-thinking. 

Sophie McKellar, the stage manager, has been working on Life in the Spotlight since it’s started in 2010.

“My role is a bit hard to define because we have a reasonably small production so we all cover a lot of different areas,” she said.

“There is so much happening backstage and that’s why I love it. It’s a whole other world backstage and people have no idea how crazy it is because everything looks so polished on stage.” 

Ms McKellar said they have very quick outfit changes which are helped by the costume girls who sort them out quickly.

“The quickest we got in was the 10-second blackouts on stage,” she said. “We go from song to song, there are host breaks in there, but everything is done in blackouts and they are five to 10 seconds. Behind the scenes, we have probably got around 15 and we have some student volunteers.” 

Joelene Green, production manager, looks after everything from the paperwork to working behind a sewing machine.

“On the weekend I was helping to build the set,” she said. “For a lot of our costumes, we have bought bases and added embellishments like ruffles and sequins.” 

Life in the Spotlight is one of the biggest fundraising events for SMRF, manager and show director Angela Boulton said. 

SMRF provides non-government funded medical equipment and financial support to Riverina residents in need, Ms Boulton said. 

Ms Green and Ms McKellar both encourage Wagga residents to come to see the show. 

This year’s show promises not to disappoint and features hits from The Greatest Showman, Grease, Strictly Ballroom The Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Rock of Ages, Mamma Mia, Dirty Dancing and more. 

Tickets are available from The Civic Theatre or at the door of the CSU Riverina Playhouse. The show will run from November 9 to December 1.