A small student group overseen by the producer, the Stage Crew constructs and manages sets and props, oversees special effects, lighting, and sound, and provides support to the cast throughout the performance. Remaining behind the scenes, this group has fulfilled this role since the earliest days of the Society.
The first performance held at St. Paul’s College in 1932 saw the Society with a lack of funds and supplies, unable to construct the set or props. Backdrops and props were borrowed from St. Ignatius and St. Albans Churches and set-up by a small crew. Money made from the performance was set aside to purchase materials for the following season. The crew grew larger over the years with more students assisting the designer. Sets remained modest for easy set up and take down.
With the arrival of Fr. John Murray S.J. in 1952 sets began to become increasingly elaborate. From the simple sets of the 1930s and 1940s, the stage was now adorned with multi-level structures, moving and rotating stages, replica vehicles, and hand-painted backdrops, with extraordinary detail in every set. Since Fr. Murray’s retirement, the Stage Crew has continued in his footsteps under the guidance of a production committee and Mr. Greg Matthew, creating sets with fire-breathing dragons, ships, and lavishly decorated castles, each element seeking to create an authentic environment for the performance.
Produced by Fr. J. J. Murray S.J.
St. Paul's College Yearbook
Produced by Father J. J. Murray S.J.
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by Fr. J. J. Murray S.J.
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by Fr. J. J. Murray S.J.
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by Fr. J. J. Murray S.J.
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by Fr. J. J. Murray S.J.
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by Fr. J. J. Murray S.J.
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by Fr. J. J. Murray S.J. and G. Matthew
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by D. Beeston and J. Smith
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by D. Beeston
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by G. Matthew, D. Beeston, J. Nash, R. Rodrigues and M. Rosinski S.J.
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by G. Matthew, D. Beeston, T. Ivory, R. Comeault and J. Nash
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by G. Matthew, D. Beeston, J. Nash and D. Tuba
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by G. Matthew, D. Beeston, J. Nash, R. Comeault and D. Tuba
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by J. Nash and J. Adair
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by G. Matthew, L. Cadez, R. Comeault, T. Ivory and J. Adair
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by G. Schmidt and B. Kolton
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by B. Kolton and J. Adair
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by B. Kolton and J. Adair
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by G. Matthew, J. Adair and B. Kolton
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by J. Adair and G. Matthew
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by G. Matthew and N. Gatza
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by J. Adair and A. Carruthers
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by G. Matthew, K. Sterner and J. Adair
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by J. Adair and K. Sterner
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by G. Matthew and K. Sterner
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by J. Adair, G. Matthew and D. Beeston
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Produced by G. Matthew and K. Sterner
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Stage Crew work on the construction of the set for Savonrola (March 29 - 31, 1962).
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Scrapbooks
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
The set for Leave it to Psmith had several backdrops. During the production, the Stage Crew was required to move the backdrops on and off the stage which required great coordination amongst the members.
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
The set for Jabberwock was a multi-storey structure. This allowed the cast to use the second storey space for scenes and required great skills of the Stage Crew.
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
The production of Romeo and Juliet coincided with the 70th Anniversary of St. Paul's High School. During the play's run, the high school theatre was dedicated to Father J. J. Murray S.J. for his dedication to the St. Paul's drama program. Father Murray taught at the school from 1952 - 1982.
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Following the retirement of Fr. J. J. Murray, many faculty members became involved with the production and set construction. Mr. Matthew has been the longest serving member of the Stage Crew, as student, volunteer and faculty member.
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Members of Stage Crew are taught how to safely use power tools and equipment for the construction of the sets before official production begins.
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
Stage Crew not only constructs the sets, but the props as well. All materials needed for the play are created, sourced or purchased by the Stage Crew.
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
The sets are designed by the producer during the earliest stages of planning. They are designed to suit the play, and to provide the Stage Crew members with the opportunity to learn and to challenge their abilities.
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection
St. Paul's Dramatic Society Digital Collection