TV16 is partnering with Harding’s theatre department to host the campus’s first-ever reality show, “Backstage Pass,” a behind-the-scenes look at the theatre department as it creates the Homecoming musical, “Annie.”
Ginger Blackstone, instructor of communication and executive director of “Backstage Pass,” said the idea stemmed from her simple observation of the theater faculty members and the fact that Harding has its very own TV station that airs in White County.
“There is always such fun energy between the theater faculty members,” Blackstone said. “They are entertaining and all have a good sense of humor.”
After witnessing this energy and realizing that a reality show would be “eye-catching” to college students, Blackstone approached junior Josh Little and senior Emily Timmons to head the project off.
“Everybody is doing reality shows now,” said Little, director and coproducer of “Backstage Pass.” “There is drama at Harding, and what better way to show it than through the theatre department?”
According to Blackstone, the show will focus on three very different characters and their journey through the filming of “Annie.” In the musical, Annie is played by 13-year-old Abbey Giboney. The show will emphasize her young age as she goes through rehearsals and memorizing lines, Blackstone said.
The show will also focus on senior Logan Kays and freshman Harrison Waldron as they go through the process. In “Annie,” Kays plays a minor role as an orphan but also participates in set construction, which Blackstone said will offer many different viewpoints. Waldron, a member of the ensemble cast, will offer a fresher look on things, Blackstone said.
While there is a blueprint for the reality show, Little said that the story will not be created but rather made on its own.
“It is not going to be a reality show in terms of manufactured drama,” Blackstone said. “The theater department is entertaining and dramatic enough.”
The first episode will be dedicated to introducing the characters and the process of picking the person to play Annie. As the series progresses, more characters will appear, said Timmons, senior editor and co-producer.
“Everyone should watch ‘Backstage Pass’ because it’s going to be epic and it will be something you have never seen before on Harding’s campus,” Little said.
A launch date is unknown for “Backstage Pass,” but once it launches it will air on TV16 every Friday at 6:30 p.m.
