10 Out of 12 — the working and break hours in a day prescribed by union rules — celebrates the unsung behind-the-scenes heroes who make sure the magic happens. It’s also a time when mundane, often funny conversations flow through headphones, bored or boorish actors stir up trouble, along with the emergence of old wounds and outside distractions. 

Disruptions abound, with those 10 hours proving to be necessary if ever the doors will open on opening night, as they did on Friday, April 3, for Quantum Theatre’s production of Anne Washburn’s laugh-out-loud and often maddening play, now at Mellon Institute.

Having the audience wear headphones and be in on every conversation worked beautifully, judging by the laughter all around me. Simple instructions at the entry were all we needed to be in on the unseen action.