Acting major works at Syracuse Stage and sees other side of show business

For Sophia Blayney, a sophomore acting major, working in a theater is natural. However, her current job does not include being on a stage at all. She works in the box office at Syracuse Stage.

Syracuse Stage is the home of the Syracuse University Department of Drama as well as shows featuring professional actors. The stage hosts professional productions, student productions and co-pros, which casts a mixture of students and professionals.

Blayney sells and distributes tickets for all of these productions. She also answers the phone for the stage and assists customers with any questions about upcoming shows.

Because most of the employees at the box office are students, Syracuse Stage provides for an opportunity for acting students to be involved with a different side of the stage.

“Because they hire SU Drama students, it does get pretty one-on-one,” Blayney said. “Generally, you wouldn’t be in collaboration with the actors.”

Last year, Blayney worked at the stage as an usher and continues to hold that position as well as her job at the box office. The two jobs differ greatly not only in description, but also in perception.

“The job office in the box office is a process. People can see what is happening. People can’t see how hard ushers work before the show starts,” said Blayney. “So it’s really interesting working both jobs because you see how people respect somebody in one position versus the other.”

Blayney’s job away from the stage showed her the importance of every person involved in the making of a show.

“I feel like it’s important to know what does go on behind the scenes. Not just of the shows, but of the entire collaborative process,” Blayney said. “Working any part of theater that’s not actually on stage gives you a better appreciation for the fact that these people are working really hard to make your performance possible.”

Correction: In a previous version of this article, the relationship between the SU Drama Department and Syracuse Stage was misstated. The two entities are separate, and share a theatre complex at 820 E. Genesee St. The Daily Orange regrets this error.