Liza Hoa '27
Nov 15, 2024
In the vast sphere of high school theater, it's usually the performers that tend to shine in the limelight. However, behind every show is a dedicated crew working relentlessly to bring each scene to life. Amongst these individuals, an important figure is definitely Syd Watts '25. Watts did not start their high school career intending to join the Mercersburg Tech Crew. Watts, said, "Despite having done a little bit of tech crew in middle school, I didn't think I was going to pursue it in high school. In fact, I actually started out my Mercersburg experience doing field hockey my very first term, but then in the winter I decided to do it and I haven't looked back since." Since then, they have become an indispensable member of Mercersburg Academy's Tech Crew, refining their talents, and, most importantly, growing from a shy and quiet freshman to a confident and experienced senior.
Watts believes being promoted to stage manager was their breakout moment: "It was a really big role that i had to fill. The previous stage manager was Ellie Miller '23, who stage-managed for three out of four years here, so I kind of took over for her when she left. But, it was a huge honor to be able to fulfill that role and be trusted to do a good job with it." As stage manager, Watts works very closely with the actors of Stony Batter directing taking blocking and line notes, and sending reminders for lights and sound cues. Nearing important rehearsal days that can last up to a rigorous twelve hours (such as the long weekend before Puffs), the challenge of the job is to bring everyone together - a labor of love that pays off in the end.
Besides their impressive technical skills, Watts' general leadership and work ethic have defined the culture of the Stony Batter Tech Crew. "I love Syd. Honestly, Syd has been just a blessing to the department and to Stony Batter. I hope that they would impart upon other kids who want to be stage managers-everything that they know-so we can have more like Syd. They're one of my favorite people, and I will miss them crazily when they go, especially because they're such a big part of my Mercersburg experience," said Jessica Doubell, Center Director of Operations. Watts credits most of their personal growth to Doubell, who has acted as a supportive mentor or them throughout the years. "Mrs. Doubell's been a huge light in my life. She's one of the happiest people on campus and makes me smile whenever I see her. And also, she's taught me basically everything I know," stated Watts.
The aptitude that Watts' has for Tech Crew goes beyond a high school hobby; it shapes their career path. They said, "I'm for sure pursuing stage management in college. My portfolio is currently underway. And, I actually just came from touring a college, so hopefully, I get into a place with an amazing theater program and alumni network like Penn State."