The drama department will present “The Wizard of Oz” from Jan. 26 through Jan.31. As the days to opening night approach, tech crews work towards completing the finishing touches on the production.

As the largest production in school history, the 30 students working backstage had their hands full. For the first time in five years, the rigging was an aspect of the play.

“Rigging is the process of strapping the actors into harnesses that they wear when they’re going to fly across the stage,” stage manager Michelle Lutz said. “The tech crew has to set up these special types of wires and all the stuff up in the rafters, and set up the harnesses to the people as well.”

As the rigging crew head, senior Charlotte Alcorn’s responsibilities include, taking measurements, securing actors in the harnesses, as well as paper work.

“It is a big deal because so many peoples’ lives are at risk,” Alcorn said. “We take lots of safety precautions. It can be hectic. We have to send the contracts out to the district lawyers and wait a month and a half for them to approve it. I saw more of what my directors do like getting rights and more of the business side.”

According to Neeley, the leadership role had an educational aspect as well.

“I’ve had to learn how to instruct people and how to do things that I assumed most people know how to do,” Neeley said. “The deal with this show is that the set pieces are so complicated that a crew member might not be able to figure it out. I have had difficulty trying to build these pieces.”

Neeley said the shortage of workers have inhibited the play’s progress and have pushed him into structural role.

“We haven’t had too many people show up when we really need them,” Neeley said. “But we really appreciate when they do and there’s still a lot to be done. I’ve been more alert to the fact of whether people are doing something or not.”

According to theater teacher Norman Grueneich, most of the $30,000 budget went towards royalties such as play rights and script rentals. Although the play was written before the movie, some aspects are similar.

“This is one of the most complicated and expensive productions,” Grueneich said. “I think people can expect to see something similar to the movie.”

According to junior tech crew member Jacob Hirsch, the experience compensates for all the work.

“I love what I do in this department and I like putting on good shows,” Hirsch said. “It’s been one of the more difficult shows that I’ve worked on, with all the lights and special effects we’ve had to do, but the chance to bond with people make it a good experience.”