Behind the curtain and on the turf: how backstage and the sidelines serve the same purpose:

On the surface, backstage and the sidelines feel worlds apart: one is a place of artistic expression and creativity, while the other is filled with high adrenaline and chaos. However, look a little deeper, and you’ll find they aren’t so different after all.

The feeling of it all:

Both the sidelines and backstage carry immense anxiety. They hold the effort, hours, sweat, and tears put into one performance or game; this is the moment you prove that effort wasn’t in vain, with the hope of a grand applause or a winning score.

These are the places where you wait, filled with emotions. Maybe you’re trying to tap into a character or hype yourself up to go and give it your all. Either way, these are the spaces you lie in wait, watching others- friends,  teammates, castmates- perform the same way you are about to. You are excited when they score a touchdown or perform a great monologue and filled with anxiety, hoping you will live up to them when your moment comes. 

The unseen heroes: 

In a performance, the audience focuses on the people in the spotlight, illuminating the stage. But the crucial pieces of a performance are found backstage. The stage managers, crew, and prop masters are all running like clockwork to deliver a masterful technical performance to match that of the actors; without them, there would be no performance. 

Similarly, in a game, the attention is all on the field, on the players scoring and running plays. Those on the sidelines ensure the game runs smoothly and the players are safe. The coaches, trainers, equipment managers, and medics can always be found on the sidelines watching and encouraging the players to do their best.

Recovery:

The sidelines are often used as a place for athletes to recover; whether it’s an injury or simply a water break, it’s a place where athletes can go and have a moment. Backstage is similar; after your scene, you walk off stage and catch your breath, even just for a moment, while the crew fixes your hair or makeup, as you run through lines in your head, making sure you are set for the time you walk back on stage. 

High energy and invisibility:

On the sidelines, you often find an ecstatic energy; you can hear the audience cheering and yelling. The players on the sideline are doing the same as they watch intently at their teammates, shouting when they make a mistake or score a point. The coaches are yelling at the players to get their heads in the game and give it their all, while the band plays loud melodies of encouragement and the cheerleaders loudly cheer, all while the referee blows his whistle and the audience boos as he makes his call. Everyone puts in one hundred percent energy as the game requires.

However, in a performance, the backstage setting calls for a much different environment. The cast and crew whisper between scenes as to not be heard through their mics, watching from the wings, giving silent encouragement and devoted attention, while trying to stay unseen by the audience. It’s a hue of whispers and shuffling; silent chaos as the cast does quick changes and searches for their props, and the crew communicates with the booth for the next lighting change. Everyone works in harmony as they’ve rehearsed so many times, in complete silence.

All in all:

Whether your passion lies on the stage or the field, the sidelines and backstage are the true heart of both spaces. Holding memories, accomplishments, and even tears. Places where time seems to stop, even if it’s only for a second; places to wait and watch, and most importantly, to learn and grow.