Opinion with Sarah Eastaff

‘All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players’. Except on stages across the country the players can only be seen, heard and tell a story effectively because of the people back and offstage. At the National Theatre (NT), we know that the art of storytelling is at its best when married up with cutting edge science and technology. The playwright and the director collaborate with designers to create the show's concept, and this leads to the work of the scenic art team, rigging and props departments. While the script comes to life in the rehearsal room, stage management record and manage the practicalities of this progress. During the technical rehearsal and throughout the run, automation, stage crew, lighting and sound operators come together to work closely with the director, actors and stage managers.