My next theatrical experience

Tweet

By the time opening night rolled around, the scenery was finished, the props were made, and there was nothing much left to do. Of course a backstage crew was still needed to open and close the curtains and change the scenery but they had enough people to do that – too many people would just get in the way of each other and all the cast trying to get on and off the stage (it’s surprising how little space there is backstage!) Meanwhile extra people were needed to operate the spotlights, so I offered to have a go at that. Another thing I never tried before. Since the production is in the village hall and not a bespoke theatre, many things have to be installed temporarily, and this includes the majority of the lighting system. A scaffolding platform is constructed at the back of the hall so the first requirement is not to mind climbing a big ladder up to the platform about 15 feet up. Luckily I have no problem with ladders! So there are three of us up on this platform doing the lighting. Below, at ground level, is the sound desk, a huge contraption on wheels which I’m sure is constructed from old pallets. Just below the stage to one side is the band, and then there’s the backstage crew out of sight at the back. We all have headsets so we can communicate with each other to ensure we’re all coordinated. The main lighting person has the job of manipulating the fancy lights and special effects (having designed them beforehand) while myself and the other spotlight operator have the low-tech, manual job of pointing the correct-coloured spotlight at the right person at the right time. I was nervous about this and we didn’t get much time to practice but so far so good! All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2024.