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.