Overall my time at Metro

At metro theatre the first production I helped out with was called the Dinning Room. The production is roughly 2 hours long with the intermission included. I learned how to control all the sound and light on my own. I controlled all the cues from the back room and after time I no longer required any supervision. At first it was a little overwhelming because it was important to ensure that all the amps and monitors were on because if you miss one the whole show can be thrown off. By the next show I had the whole procedure down from start to finish. This learning experience was challenging at first but as I went on the production and experience became more enjoyable. Through out this experience I got the chance to meet all the actors and crew members. For the first time I had the privilege of seeing a director in action. I was able to expand my knowledge in all aspects of production. In the directing aspect, I learned blocking, voice control, stage business and percent of expression. These are all major things to watch for while directing a production. I realized how much time and effort goes into the lighting and sound. First the cues must be created and matched to the actor’s stage position. The sound is a little simpler because the sound effects are only used for preshow music and intermission. The light and sound cues must be in sync for the show to look proper. I know that each actor devoted a large amount of their time to make the production as perfect as it could be. Metro theatre is a community theatre so all of the workers and actors are unpaid. This proves that each person there is there because they love what they’re doing. Overall that’s what makes the play as great as it is. The second production I helped out with was 42nd street in this production I worked as a follow spot. As follow spot I was required to respond to lighting cues and follow the actors as they move around stage. A follow spot is used with the intention to emphasize a certain actor or a certain spot on stage. 42nd street has been an extremely great experience. The various sets of the play are all incredible and the actors and orchestra couldn’t be more dedicated. Metro theatre has helped me discover how much I love all the aspects of production.

what 42nd street is all about

42nd street is a tale of a young girl named Peggy sawyer who dreams to one day be the star of Pretty Lady, but when she comes to the audition she is too late. All the positions have been filled. While she is standing outside the audition doors a boy named Billy Lawlor insists in helping her get a spot in the play. Peggy runs into the director Julian Marsh and he lets her know that there is room for her in the play if she is a fast learner. Dorothy is the star of Pretty Lady but is also a prima donna and past her prime her husband Abner Dillon is the financial banking of the whole production. Although Abner Dillon is her husband she loves another by the name of Pat Denning. Julian soon finds out that Dorothy is seeing old boyfriend Pat Denning behind Abner's back. Knowing this could destroy the show's future, he decides to put an end to their affair. He calls up an unsavory acquaintance and Pat Denning is visited by a couple of thugs who tell him to flee. On opening night during rehearsal Peggy crashes into Dorothy and Dorothy breaks her ankle. Peggy is immediately fired. With no star of the show the cast brainstorms who could replace Dorothy. Finally Julian realizes that the only person suitable is Peggy herself! He rushes off to the train station to catch Peggy before she departs. He catches Peggy and she agrees to be the new star. With only 2 days to learn the lead part. The show goes on and is a major success. Peggy Sawyer then becomes a star.

follow spot

42^nd street is up and running! I am currently working as a follow spot 2-3 times a week. As a follow spot I am required to respond to lighting cues and follow the actors as they move around stage. A follow spot is used with the intention to emphasize a certain actor or a certain spot on stage. So far 42^nd street has been an extremely great experience. The various sets of the play are all incredible and the actors and orchestra couldn’t be more dedicated. Metro theatre has helped me discover how much I love all the aspects of production.

Last Sunday!

The last day working in the afternoon was a breeze. I now know how to operate all technology in an appropriate manner. This experience has not only taught me the technology of the production but how to manage my time and problem solve properly. I learned how to meet a time frame and plan out how to arrive on time. After acquiring that, the cue calls came easy. As long as I listened and stayed focused, everything went as planned. When a certain piece of technology was not working I was able to fix it or call in another coworker for help. This experience taught me many things and I am very excited to start working on 42nd street. The following play has a larger cast and much more to accomplish, so my newly acquired skills will be put to the test. I have yet to decide in which area I would like to help with. I have been offered to help with set up, following lights, sounds/lighting cues, programming, touch ups and scenery. I know that no matter which one I chose or which one I am assigned to I will have a great time learning about it.

A New Production

The Dinning Room Production is coming to an end. The last showing of the production is on Saturday March 19^th 2011. My last time working with this specific production is this Thursday on March 17^th. Although it is sad to say goodbye to the cast members it is also exciting to welcome a new cast and a new production all together. I’m extremely excited to work on 42^nd street with new members and a new job. The director has now offered me the option to work with sound and lighting again or do some work behind stage. This play will be a lot different from the Dinning Room because it is not only a lot larger of a cast but it is a musical. Complete with an orchestra this play is said to be “One of the greatest musicals around”. I look forward to being able to see all the new components required to ensure that the musical is as great as it can be.

Internship is slowly coming to an end

As my internship is slowly coming to an end, I begin to look forward to it more and more. Today, March 4th 2011 I have another opportunity to control the sound and lighting cues all on my own. Through out this experience I got the chance to meet all the actors and crewmembers. For the first time I had the privilege of seeing a director in action. I was able to expand my knowledge in all aspects of production. In the directing aspect, I learned blocking, voice control, stage business and percent of expression. These are all major things to watch for while directing a production. I realized how much time and effort goes into the lighting and sound. First the cues must be created and matched to the actor’s stage position. The sound is a little simpler because the sound effects are only used for preshow music and intermission. The light and sound cues must be in sync for the show to look proper. I know that each actor devoted a large amount of their time to make the production as perfect as it could be. Metro theatre is a community theatre so all of the workers and actors are unpaid. This proves that each person there is there because they love what they’re doing. Overall that’s what makes the play as great as it is. I look forward to tonight with great enthusiasm and will keep you posted!

Metro Theatre Production

This Saturday and Sunday I attended my internship at metro theatre. The production is roughly 2 hours long when the intermission is included. I am now able to control all the sound and light on my own. I control all the cues from the back room and I am no longer required any supervision. At first it was a little overwhelming because it was important to ensure that all the amps and monitors were on because if you miss one the whole show can be thrown off. By Sundays show I had the whole procedure down from start to finish. As I learn more and more, the production and experience becomes more enjoyable. I was very surprised at the amount of people that came out to see the show considering how difficult the weather was to drive in. The room can hold a capacity of 287 people. The average amount of people to watch the show usually ranges from 20-80 people. In the snowy conditions 40 people still came to watch the show. Overall this has been an amazing experience and I look forward to returning to Metro.

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