Keeping the Creative Juices Flowing

During a normal season at the Morrison Center we occasionally get to do our own basic light design for smaller budget shows. This year however, we have had the opportunity to do some really fun, very creative designs. The first is what we call Behind the Curtain Experience. It is the exact opposite of a regular performance. We set tables and chairs up on the stage facing the auditorium. We set up a stage on the orchestra pit facing the backstage. In depth tours are given and every show has a different up and coming artist or group. Its really fun. If I have left you a little confused, the first to pictures on this blog will give you a little better idea. We really play up the lights on tables, the auditorium, and various items backstage. The first group we had was a husband and wife duo called Montana Skies, hence the clouds projected behind them.The instrument she is holding is an electric cello with 2 extra strings which allows her to go down into the bass range and up into the violin range. AWESOME!!! Her husband was an amazing guitarist. The literally played everything from Vivaldi to Pink Floyd to the Beatles. If you get a chance, google them!!
The second show we did was a poetry reading in behalf of the 700th birthday of some philosopher/poet. It was incredibly boring, it reminded me in some strange way of the philosopher couple on Saturday night live played by Rachel Dratch and Will Ferrell. If you know what I am talking about, you will know how very strange it is!!!! At any rate, we really made the stage look beautiful. We hung all off the fabric and then lit it to match the back projection. SO MUCH FUN, and it looked beautiful!! Made the most of the boring poet anyway. :)

Right now we are in the middle of the Opera Idaho, its almost over!!!!!!! The lights look awesome, the set, which consists of Hanging drops looks horrible!!! They are from a company called Stephanello (sp) out of Italy, they are ancient, and they stink!! Really, they smell awful. The costumes and the talen are wonderful. I am so ready to be done. Next week, Wynonna Judd. Woo hoo!!!

Those 4 pictures are courtesy of Dave Jensen.