Behind the Scenes : Thrill of Love : Production Team

 Today we begin our usual Behind the Scenes posts of our latest production, Thrill of Love.

The play has been a huge success with our audiences but was a very challenging play for both those on the stage and those behind the scenes. Today we shall start with the small but very tight production team covering the set design and construction, stage management, lighting and sound.

 Pictured above are Robin Atkinson (set design and construction and backstage), Val Hall (Assistant Stage Manager), Doreen Gray (Assistant Director) and  Cheryl Cluness (Stage Manager). These four ran the stage during the production run but had also been involved in rehearsals from the start.

THE SET

The stage set was designed by our Director Stephenie with Robin taking the ideas and drawings to the construction stage. 

 

This was his stage model for both the actors and backstage crew.

The very 50s bar area.

FLOOR CREW

Val as Assistant Stage Manager calls all the cues and gets the actors on stage in time. The "corner" as it is known is tight and the whole show is controlled from this little area.

Cheryl (Stage Manager) in the wings ensuring everything is running smoothly.

Doreen also following everything in the wings but also directing and calling The Ensemble as they were changing the scenery as opposed to the backstage crew. This was a new venture for us and we were very reliant on Doreen's guidance to the Ensemble on how to carry chairs, look for the marks, doing everything on time, etc.

LIGHTING AND SOUND

We were delighted to be joined by Ewan Moncrieff (Shetland Arts) who undertook the lighting design and the task of Technician during the performance. 

The music and sound effects for this play were huge and was clearly indicated through the script in terms of style, pattern and length. Jennie Atkinson of our Group took on the task of collating and designing the sound plot and then acting as Technician for each production.

REHEARSALS

The production team are present at rehearsals from day one.

Here in rehearsals at Islesburgh ensuring all the moves and cues are noted and the actors used to working with the sound effects which required timings to be set etc.

Then when we moved into the Theatre sound and lighting technicians are sat in the Auditorium running the effects before moving up to the control box at the last dress rehearsal.

And of course everything on stage and backstage being watched by Director Stephenie.

Production Team

Director : Stephenie Georgia

Assistant DirectoCheryl Cluness

Assistant Stage Manager : Val Hall

Set Designer & Construction : Robin Atkinson

Props Co-ordinator : Karen Erasmuson

Sound Design & Technician : Jennie Atkinson

Choreography : Mandy Philips

Lights : Shetland Arts (Ewan Moncrieff)

Photographs: Jennie Atkinson, Martin Summers, Karen Erasmuson & Robin Atkinson