I am just going to Laugh out Loud as I just finished a session for a
build at a high school.
Sometimes I feel that all I do is stand in the middle of the
stage with one
foot nailed to the
ground and the other walking in circles trying to keep everyone on task and answering a thousand questions.
The director requires all actors and tech students to put in hours building the set. I require that they provide parents so I can group 4 or 5 kids to a parent.
I spend most of my time coaching the parents and student on how to do the particular task, and the rest of my time making sure they actually did it. Often having them redo parts.
I have a select group of tech kids who are great at learning hands on. And a few of skilled carpenters. These are the ones I put on the difficult projects. Many of these tech kids I have brought to skill workshops for rigging and lighting. I hope to bring them to some more every year. These are put on by Chicago Spot Light and hosted at local schools in the areas. It is all hands on and great for the kids.
Most important is the design and inspecting for
safety. Every piece is inspect by me before actors are allowed on it or to use it. Including rigging, sets, and lights.
So tech week starts Saturday for Les Miserable high school edition. We are using the 2010-2012 International style set. 3 story building, moving walls and the awesome
barricade. Opening date April 4.