Featured Artist: Alec Armer

Senior and Theater President Alec Armer creates “Break a Legs,” artwork that is displayed on the lockers of student performers during show week of East musicals and plays. Armer talks about the work that goes into creating Break a Legs which he has been making since the production of Beauty and the Beast his freshman year.

1. When did the tradition of creating Break a Legs  for theater shows start?

Creating Break a Legs for shows began with the opening of the newly renovated auditorium, which would have been about five years ago, so it’s generally a new thing in terms of traditions.

2. How did you pick up the tradition?

I picked up the tradition when I started working on House Crew for theater my freshman year, particularly during Beauty and the Beast. I made several break a legs for that show and got my first Break a Leg too, which was just super cool and I haven’t stopped making them since.

3. What’s the process of creating a Break a Leg?

To make a Break a Leg, you need to include four elements and the rest is up to you. You need to include the person’s name, the show name, the person’s character or job for the show and the words “Break a Leg.” Beyond that, you can use whatever fonts and change the focus to whatever you want.

I’ve had some where I focus on just stacking the words on top of each other, I’ve made a lot with cartoon characters such as Pokemon or last year I made three themed to Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. Once I even made one that was a sticker I-Spy game.

The Break a Leg needs to fit on the locker and generally is made of paper, but that’s not technically required either.  In planning them, the whole process starts with brainstorming the idea on paper, and then making it can take anywhere from one hour to ten hours, depending on the detail or amount.

4. What is the cast’s response to you putting effort into Break a Legs?

People really enjoy receiving Break a Legs, and I really do think it gets people into the mindset that it is show week, which is one of the main purposes of the Break a Legs.

5. Are you making Break a Legs for the fall play?

Yes, I haven’t started making any Break a Legs yet, but I have all my ideas in detail, so that I can just get started cranking them out.