Annie - Behind the Scenes

Unless you've been living under a rock, or perhaps don't read "One Dad's Life" on a regular basis (for reasons that I absolutely can't fathom), you know that we are very busy putting on the show "Annie."  This Friday, Saturday and Sunday is our second (and final) weekend of shows.  Click here for more info, or read the recent two weeks of posts right here for more pictures and info.

Today, I thought I'd give you some behind the scenes shots.  I have lots to share with you, so lets get started!

The excitement starts for the tech crew hours before performance time.  One of the most important tasks is the cleaning and inspection of all the wireless mics.  We use nearly 30 for this show!  The picture below shows our mic table back in the "green room" backstage, and one of our actors getting his mic "installed."

Out in front,  the orchestra gets their instruments and music ready.  It takes a couple of dozen microphones to mic the orchestra.  This is important though, as it allows our violins and other quiet instruments be heard at an appropriate level compared to loud instruments such as trumpets and drum kits!  We can also achieve a nice balance between singers and orchestra.  Both things are VERY important for a professional sounding production.  BTW, that big box contains our drum kit.  Why in a box?  Drums are LOUD, but I prefer acoustic over electronic, hence the big insulated box.  The drummer uses headphones to monitor the singers and rest of the band and orchestra.  My position is behind the double-high pile of keyboards and synths just in front of the drum cage.

Since we don't actually have a theater with wings, set design and set changes are TRICKY.  Our crew has this down to a science, though I suspect they also use a touch of magic to make it all work!  We have incredibly fast set changes, as a result.  This picture is a shot of the set change notes taped backstage.  Though I know you probably can't see it in this scaled down photo, there are notes on the changes that included EXACT times the changes occur - like 8:09 PM!  Did I mention the science part?

Here is the stage set behind the curtain for Act 1, Scene 1.  100% of our sets and furniture are made in-house for each production, including all of these beds for the orphans.  We even made the pillows! An interesting note on all of our furniture: while it may look like a comfy bed (or couch, or ...) they are usually NOT.  Most of the furniture is build quite sturdy and has a hard, flat, non-slip top designed to be danced on and support the weight of a jumping adult!  Some of the furniture is also bolted down, so it can't slide during the moving of sets or strenuous dancing.

Backstage, we have three main dressing rooms (Women, Men, Orphans), plus two "quick-change" rooms located closer to the stage.  There are some costume changes that happen in a minute!  We also have two "green" rooms, where performers wait to go on.  One is open with just a few tables, giving the kids a place to play and do homework between their scenes.  The other is shown in the picture below, where we have a few rows of chairs set up for the performers to wait and a wide-screen video monitor where

they can actually watch the show!  There are also audio monitors in these rooms so they can hear what is going on.  This shot was taken before the show started, so all you see on the video screen is the curtain.  The small photo on the right is a shot of the signs you see taped on the floor.   We have lanes identified (and taped off) in this room that you must stay out of, or risk serious injury.  Between scenes (and during scenes) there is frequently VERY rapid movement of people and props through these areas.  The lanes lead to the dressing rooms, and stage doors.  Also, this room is ringed with tables that hold the smaller props used in each scene by the actors.  STAY OUT OF THE WAY!

Before opening the doors to the eager public, the performers all assemble in the auditorium for mic checks with the sound crew, vocal warm-ups, and any last minute notes and/or changes to be made for the performance.  Minutes after this scene, the performers are banished to their backstage areas, the curtains are closed, and people begin filling the seats!  I took this picture standing on a chair behind my keyboards, so this is my vantage point throughout the show (but a bit lower!).  You can see the stage to the left (with the orphan's beds) and the seating straight ahead and to the right.

If you have any doubts as to how good this show is, I present to you this picture my wife took backstage during the show. These actors are sitting in the previously mentioned green room, watching a scene on the monitor.  Does it look like they are enjoying themselves?  I think it does!  Remember, they are showing THIS reaction even after seeing the same thing dozens and dozens of times!  Think of the reaction you'll have. You owe it to yourself to COME TO THE SHOW!  See you there!

Comments

[Kristen]

This is so cool!