#BehindtheCurtain: Get to Know Rogelio Rosales

We are thrilled to introduce Rogelio Rosales, our amazing Technical Director here at SDMT! Rogelio stepped into the role of Technical Director this past fall for our production of “Little Shop of Horrors”, though it isn’t the first time he’s worked at SDMT, and certainly isn’t the first time he’s worked on sets. Rogelio brings over two decades of knowledge and experience to his role here at SDMT and we’re so grateful he’s on the team! His skill is what helps us have the breathe-taking sets you see on stage for all of our productions, and you can come see the most recent one in action with “Anything Goes”. Keep reading below to get to know Rogelio a little bit better and find out the answers to some of the burning questions we had for him. Also, enjoy the behind the scenes photos interspersed of our sets being made!

 

How long have you been the Technical Director at SDMT, and how long have you been building sets in the Musical Theatre world?

I haven’t been the Technical Director that long at SDMT. I’ve only been in this role for about five months. I started in this role when SDMT started working on their production of “Little Shop of Horrors”. I did work with SDMT for about two or three years though, back in around 2008. As for how long I’ve been building sets, I’ve been doing this for about 23 years now.

What’s your favorite part about your job? And conversely, what’s the most challenging part?

The best part is probably the collaboration with all of the creative and production teams. It truly is a group effort to make everyone’s ideas become a reality, but it’s always so exciting to see when they finally do. I also really love how my job feels a little bit like I’m working for the circus. I never know what each day will hold. Sometimes I’ll walk in to the theatre and see actors doing something that I would have never expected, but it’s always impressive. It keeps every day interesting. On the other hand, the most challenging part is probably just the time constraints we’re under trying to get everything finished before a show opens.

Outside of your job here at SDMT, what are some of your favorite hobbies and interests?

I love fishing, and I also really enjoy playing poker! Both things are great ways I’ve found to relax and just have some fun.

If you were on a cruise like in “Anything Goes”, who’s the one celebrity you’d want to see and talk with on board?

I’d have to say probably either Tom Jones or Bjork. If you don’t know who that is, look her up. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Do you have a favorite set you’ve ever worked on?

From all the sets I worked on with SDMT, I’d say my favorite was probably Smoky Joes Cafe. That was definitely a fun one to work on.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I play the accordion.. albeit not very well. I’ve played it for years because I enjoy the challenge of it. I’m not naturally a very musical person which makes it fun to try and tackle an instrument like that.

If you weren’t working in theatre, what would you want your job to be?

I’d love to still be making something for people; probably custom furniture or something like that. I already make furniture, but if I wasn’t in the theatre world, I’d probably make that my full time job. I love being able to make things that others can enjoy.

 

“Anything Goes” Creative Team:
Director: Omri Schein
Choreographer: Xavier J. Bush
Music Director: Van Angelo

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