It all started with an announcement at an assembly three years ago. Then junior Aidan Healy asked the student body about students potentially working in the booth during assembly. The same student that said yes to this job because he “thought it would be cool” is now the interim theater manager.
That student is senior Max Rossbach. He’s taken stagecraft a total of eight times over four years.
“I first started as an hourly worker under [Theater Manager Paul Fleming],” Rossbach said, “I would be working from 6:00 to 9:00 and [Fleming] would give me a bunch of different tasks.” Although his work started with basic jobs, his role has grown. “I used to just manage the mics, and then I managed the lights and now I’m essentially running the theater,” Rossbach said.
Because Fleming was away for months, Rossbach took over the giant role of theater manager. “He got this job by showing up. He got this job by being dedicated,” drama teacher Meleesa Wyatt said. “There really isn’t another student that we can draw on, and know that they are going to know what’s needed and to troubleshoot when there is a problem.”
So what are the responsibilities of a theater manager? “Well, I always have to be the first one in the theater and the last one out,” Rossbach said. Besides opening and closing, Rossbach manages all scheduling as well as keeping the theater clean and the miscellaneous tasks to care for the theater.
“Planning for Music Day was really cool. All of the scheduling for the different acts was done through me. I had to coordinate with Mr. Blok, Mr. Parker and Mr. Lewis to figure out who would perform when,” Rossbach said.
Rossbach’s work in the theater isn’t limited to U Prep. He works over the summer at the Seattle Children’s Theater, and has even worked for professional DJs. He also hopes to pursue a career in managing sound and the theater.
As to his performance in his job so far, there has been nothing but stellar reviews. Wyatt said, “He is funny, he knows how to do things, he is good with people, and he is very focused and dedicated.”
By Emily Morrissery and Mahir Piyarali