The unsung heroes of Nakuru plays

While the final bow on stage is typically reserved for actors, directors and producers, the true magic of theatre extends far beyond the spotlight.

Behind every seamless performance is a dedicated team that ensures the lighting, sound and staging come together to create an unforgettable experience.

These unsung heroes work tirelessly in the background - often unnoticed, but absolutely essential.

One of them is Festus Musyoka, a seasoned theatre technician whose passion lies in the delicate balance of artistry and precision that live productions demand.

Musyoka's journey into technical theatre began modestly. He started volunteering for small productions, learning through hands-on experience and absorbing knowledge from seasoned professionals.

"I've always been drawn to the behind-the-scenes elements that bring a performance to life," he says. "Lighting can completely shape an audience's emotions and enhance storytelling. There's something incredibly satisfying about creating atmosphere with light. Theatre is unpredictable and I thrive on the challenge of making every moment feel seamless".

He has grown to become a master in his craft and hopes that one day he will work on more complex productions and incorporating advanced technologies such as immersive audio, LED mapping and automation. He also hopes to mentor the next generation of theatre technicians.

"It's a craft where every detail matters," he says. "Being part of that magic, even from the shadows, is what makes it so fulfilling."

Martin Ngugi, a trained electrician with a deep passion for storytelling, has also become a key figure in Nakuru's theatre lighting scene. He was the first to notice the huge gap in equipment and expertise between Nairobi and Nakuru.

"Before 2019, theatres in Nakuru were still using analogue lighting systems," he explains. "I was operating those lights, not knowing that theatre lighting was a recognised profession."

His turning point came the same year, when the Nairobi Performing Arts Studio brought Sarafina! to Nakuru. Prior to the production, the theatre was upgraded to accommodate modern lighting equipment for the first time. The experience was an eye-opener for Ngugi.

"It changed everything. I knew I had to understand this craft deeply.

Since then, Ngugi has dedicated himself to learning and growing. He has volunteered for almost every production, doing more than 80 per cent of his shows for free, driven by the vision of creating a lasting legacy.

With a degree in electrical engineering, he had the technical background, but it's the artistic aspect that fuels his passion. "For the audience, it's magic - and I love being behind the magic," he says.

Ngugi now dreams of owning a full range of theatre equipment for hire and providing quality lighting services in under-represented counties in Kenya.

As a stage manager, Sammy Ngahu found his calling during a county-wide project that brought together drama groups. Each group was tasked with appointing representatives for key production roles, and Ngahu was chosen to manage the stage.

"This opportunity broadened my understanding of theatre production," he recalls. Since then, he has managed numerous shows at the Nakuru Players Theatre to become a trusted backstage presence.

"For me, stage management is a career like any other," he says. "It requires skill, coordination and a deep understanding of every element of the production."

Ngahu envisions a future where stage management is fully recognised as a professional and sustainable career - one that he hopes to rely on as his primary source of income.