No Dork, No Show

by Dodo Charles

'Dorks'? Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, founders of Instagram

So, before I start this mini rant on society’s failures (I really don’t mean to offend anyone… well not exactly) I should just point out that I, for one, definitely fall into the category of people that some deem necessary to call ‘dorks.’

Yes, I spend my free time making videos, or hiding in the shadows in black because everyone knows that is what vampires do. I kid you not,:someone told me that I must be a vampire because I prefer to be backstage in a production than on stage. And no. They were not joking. My point is, why should this result in me being given a label, which in my opinion, should be sent to burn in Dante’s inferno?

'Dork'? Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder

I get called a dork all the time because of being part of stage crew. Especially by actors, but I’m just going to put this out here… without us, there would be no show. I would like to see them deal with a zimmer frame that goes up into the flies moments before a scene, only to be needed a moment later because one broke on stage. OK, sometimes things can get a little out of hand, and people do occasionally get slapped by the fish of disapproval- in other words a rubber fish

I would advise you don’t get on our nerves either… What some fail to realise is that by the last performance, when actors decide they want to watch in the wings (not on guys, seriously) we have already been in the theatre for 73 hours in those 6 days alone. I do not sleep during production week. When they do twelve, thirteen hour days, then, just then maybe they will understand why insulting us, and telling us props are missing literally minutes before they go on stage, might result in their heads being bitten off.

'Dorks'? Steve Jobs (Apple) and Bill Gates (Microsoft)

Ok, yes actors are also pretty awesome though. Without them we wouldn’t have half the amusement that we do. I mean, who else would be willing to sing across the stage, “KEEP IT GAY”or dress up as grandmas? I do also realise that without them, the play also wouldn’t happen, so really we are counterparts. Without us none of the cool explosions would be there, and without them there would be a distinct lack of things occurring on stage…

Also, I suppose they do also get called “dorks” by others, which brings me on to the next topic: the certifiable “cool” kids.

They laugh at us, call us names, but what they always seem to forget is that, at the end of the day, without us, they would be struggling quite a lot. This is where I would like to point out that some general stereotyping might be about to occur (and yes has already occurred. I am a hypocrite), which, yes, I realise makes me no better than them, but, for argument's sake, bear with. Instagram- one of the biggest apps, who was it designed by? Yes that’s right, a supposed “dork”. Computers? Again, “dork”. Phones? Oh look at that- “dork”. See the recurring theme yet? Without us “dorks”, very little technology would exist. At which point, how would all of these parties that “cool” kids go to be broadcast? There is only so much word of mouth can do.



Fine, we are not all technology-obsessed, but does that really matter? The term “dorks” applies to SO many people who, in my opinion, don’t deserve it. From what I can tell, it is a term used to insult those supposedly beneath others. I also appreciate that I am using the term “cool” kids pretty badly. I do not mean ALL “cool”kids, merely some. People, just treat everyone with respect. Please. I mean, clearly communism is not the way forward… many have proven this in the past, but respect doesn’t equate to extreme communism, so there shouldn’t be a problem. Right?

In conclusion, next time, before you try and call us “dorks” just think what your life would be without us. And if they still try to call us “dorks” then, “They have a plentiful lack of wit.” Just take it from Shakespeare…