Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes highlights the backstage activity and the people who play a vital role in every performance at the Reif Center. From technical preparation to set construction, each production relies on the work happening behind the curtain.

Little Shop of Horrors – Feed Me! – June 2024

A large placard bearing the words LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS hangs suspended in dark fog. (SMOKE MACHINE) WINO #1 sleeps peacefully on the far left edge of the forestage. (MUSIC…

Thumbelina: The Girl in the Flower – May, 2024

“There once was a woman who wanted so very much to have a tiny little child, but she did not know where to find one. So she went to an…

The TheaterWorksUSA Experience! – April, 2024

Mother Nature can be a cruel and capricious companion for the Northland. We enjoyed an atypical winter with very little snow and above average temperatures, which makes our life a…

Under and Over the Sea: Digital Scenery for Little Mermaid – March, 2024

King Triton’s court, Ursula’s Lair, and a storm-tossed Galleon; are just a few of the many scenes set under and over the sea in the Reif Theater Arts production of…

Reif Dance Company Show & Get To Know Your Tech – Melanie McCoy – February 2024

Dancers live in light as fish live in water. The stage space in which they move is their aquarium, their portion of the sea. Within translucent walls and above the…

Winter Dance Party – 65th Anniversary – January, 2024

In January of 1959, a twenty-four day musical tour of the Midwest began in Milwaukee. Twelve days later the “Winter Dance Party” would end in tragedy on Feb 3, 1959.…

Rock ‘n’ Roll Xmas Spectacular – December, 2023

Ahhh, Christmas! When the holidays begin to stress you out you can always enjoy some mellow Christmas music like Silent Night or White Christmas. But for those that like their…

Santa’s Village & Get to know Greg Johnson – November, 2023

I’m a Grinch! I have a lot more in common with Ebenezer Scrooge than Bob Cratchit. If I were in a Japanese monster movie I’d be Christmaszilla! I exaggerate (slightly),…

Objective of Lighting Design – October, 2023

A dazzling display of fireworks, a fading sunset, a raging fire or an evening sky full of stars. These are all moments from our lives and moments I’ve had to…