ALEX AGNES-CORDRY, ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

What goes on behind the scenes matters. Broadway Rose’s Assistant Technical Director, Alex Agnes-Cordry has been working with Broadway Rose since 2017 and continues to bring the magic to every set he works on.

Alex has been a part of Broadway Rose’s full-time staff since 2021 and primarily balances his time between head electrician and carpenter backstage. Alex has always connected with theatre: “I knew senior year of high school I wanted to pursue theatre,” said Alex. After double majoring in Acting/Directing and Tech/Design, Alex was well-prepped for a life in the theatre after graduating from George Fox University.

During 2014 and 2015, Alex was selected as a mentee with the Third Rail Mentorship program held by Third Rail Repertory Theatre in Portland. From there, he worked as an overhire at various theaters and eventually became full-time at Portland Center Stage for the next two years.

Alex has never stopped doing theatre work and feels extremely lucky that he is one of the few people who hasn’t had a “real person job” as his work constantly keeps him focused on creative problem-solving and working with his hands.

“Theatre is one of the weird marriages of art, reality, and magic,” explained Alex. He is focused on creating magical moments on stage that bring the audiences and actors together in an enchanting connection that only live theatre brings about.

Much of the work technicians do in theatre can often go unrecognized, but Alex knows that what they do is for the magical moments that help bring shows to life. He envisions how his work affects live theater and how that “isolated moment of art” exists on stage during a performance.

However, getting that “moment of art” on to the stage can be a long process. “We never have a typical day,” said Alex. Tasks can range from building furniture from scratch, leading a crew to install a lighting plot, to meeting with people to discuss the needs of other departments.

Even when Alex isn’t building sets, he finds time to build at home with Lego and minifigures (with a room dedicated to the craft)! Additionally, he spends his time biking and staying involved with the Portland Cycling Community through various events.

As for a word of advice for aspiring theatre technicians? Alex suggests being “a sponge” and soaking up as much information as possible from all departments in the theatre as it creates better learning and more informed conversations with other designers and directors.

“There’s a reason this profession has been around for thousands of years,” said Alex. “It’s because it matters to the human existence and growth.”

Broadway Rose is thrilled to have Alex as a part of the team and appreciates the important work he is doing in the theater.