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THE THEATER
There are numerous elements involved in putting a show on. On this page we peek behind-the-scenes to explore and explain some of the inner workings of the theater, in order to gain an understanding of the myriad objects, settings, spaces, and jobs involved with a production: costume, lighting, and sound design, technical direction, choreography, direction, and performance.
ENCORE: A BEHIND-THE-SCENES
LOOK AT THE THEATER
The conceit of the evening-length show Encore is that the dancers are in a final dress rehearsal, preparing to go on the road. The audience watches the “rehearsal” as if a voyeur. It is as though the dances are not being performed for the real audience, but for the dancers themselves. The fourth wall, which is never broken, is meant to suggest an invisible mirror. This edited overview of the show presents never-before-seen footage from the KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival production.
GHOST LIGHT
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A ghost light is an important object used in the theater. It has both a practical purpose and a history of superstitions. Watch to learn about its function and its folklore.
TRAVELER, LEGS, AND WINGS
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What can move from place to place without legs or wings, but is used to create both? Watch to solve this riddle.
JOBS IN THE THEATER
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There are innumerable opportunities to work in the theater behind-the-scenes. Costume, set, lighting, sound, graphic, and web designers, and technical crew are instrumental to putting a show together.
STAGE DIRECTIONS
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U p, down, right, left. In the theater, these directions can mean something different. Learn which way is up from the performer’s perspective.
LIGHTING
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Without lighting dance would not be seen in the theater. Designers create every look we see and technicians hang, focus and execute the lights, with a supporting crew. Lights. Camera. Action!
FLY RAIL
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The long line of handles and ropes typically found in the wingspace of a theater control the up and down travel of scenery, lights, effects and equipment suspended in the air by a system of pulleys, cables, pipes, and counterweights.
OUTDOOR THEATER
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The Inside/Out stage at Jacob’s Pillow in Western Massachusetts is celebrated for its beautiful backdrop of the Berkshire mountains. You can listen to Daniel discuss what it’s like to perform outdoors with guest Tiffany Rea-Fisher.
