The Department of Stage Controls is handling production for Oasis this year. The department is also responsible for conducting BLAB (an oratory competition). As is evident from their name, they are responsible for the set-up of the stage prior to the commencement of the show. The Oasis English Press interviewed Aditya Patil, the coordinator of Stage Controls, to see how they go about tasks that are key to making this Oasis enjoyable.

Stage Controls is in charge of the Auditorium. They make sure that events happen on time, and look after the logistics of these events. Many times, they work together with various other departments that are hosting an event. Stage Controls has seen an increase in responsibilities this Oasis as they will be handling production work as well. ‘We handle three locations: the Auditorium, Rotunda, and M lawns, which is a significant increase in work. We also build structures before the fest; this year it is Reggae Shark, and we are also building one based on V for Vendetta. In the weeks leading up to Oasis, most of our work involves making the structures, the rest of the time we just chill,’ said Patil.

The real work starts a few hours before an event. They begin with setting up the stage. For example, if it is a concert they place all the instruments in their right places, and connect them to the amplifiers. The placement is done according to the performers’ wishes. Next comes the sound check. This is done in collaboration with the Department of Sounds.  This could take a long time depending on the performer, and could end up delaying the start of the show. This could cause a cascade of delays thus causing a delay in all the succeeding shows. After the sound check, they hand the stage over to the performers.

The pre-event setup can differ considerably for different events. According to Patil, there is very little they can do before Guthrie Govan’s performance. For example, the Department of Sounds will probably not be required to mix for Guthrie as he is likely to bring his own professional sound crew. But for a competition like Rocktaves, there is a lot of troubleshooting they can, and often need to, do.

‘Being the co-ordinator is a training experience; it has been difficult. I wouldn’t say that it has been pleasant.’ Patil went on to talk about how the department has been learning the art of production from other departments that have had more experience. On being asked if he would like to give a message to the general BITSian, he said, ‘Don’t get caught doing anything you’re not supposed to.’