On this page of the lesson, you're going to read an article about what goes on behind the scenes of a theater performance. Before you jump into the whole thing, read the first two paragraphs below. As you read, try to stay engaged by asking yourself questions.

Imagine sitting in a darkened, cavernous room with a hundred other people, watching a scene slowly emerge as the lights come up, then suddenly finding yourself immersed in lightning and thunder, the sound of a hard rain all around you. Regarding what can be dreamed up in a theater, the possibilities are nearly endless. A great many people, in fact, contribute to making the imaginary world of a play seem real. 

If you're watching a play as an audience member, it can be easy to miss how much effort goes into creating a show. The actors are under the spotlight, but many artists off the stage and "behind the scenes" contribute to the play's overall effect. Without the hard work and creativity of directors, set and lighting designers, stage managers, sound effects artists, and costume designers (among others), the magical world that is theater would not be possible—or at least not as powerful. The many technical aspects of producing a play provide opportunities that go far beyond acting. If you're interested in theatre, there are many avenues to pursue, each requiring a unique set of skills and talents.

What do you think about the first part of the article? Did you try to stay engaged? One aspect of reading critically is making predictions. Answer these questions before you read the rest of the article.

Now it's time to find out if you were correct in your predictions. Click on the button below to read through the entire article. Remember to take notes and stay engaged.