Tech Shadowing

Through our Lights Up! project we have been working with the Belgrade Theatre to provide members with tech shadowing opportunities as part of our commitment to up-skilling.

This term three of our members have shadowed performances and gained a greater understanding of what goes on behind the scenes and tech used for shows.

Bengy and Cecelia shadowed ‘I, Daniel Blake‘ in B2, while Marie shadowed ‘Cinderella‘ in the main auditorium.

Bengy and Cecelia backstage at ‘I, Daniel Blake’

Marie has shared this fantastic write-up about her experience.

UNDERGROUND LIGHTS SENT ME BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE BELGRADE THEATRE

I received a call from Beth at Underground Lights asking if I’d like the opportunity to do tech back stage at the Belgrade Theatre.  I explained I’m not very good at tech, technical things!  But she assured me I won’t have to do anything I’d just be shown around and see a show so I agreed.  Then a text arrived with details of tech shadowing asking me to wear black clothes and shoes.

So I turned up all in black and was introduced to Matt and discovered the backstage crew was dressed in black just like me. I’d never in my life been behind the scenes and if black was their colour I fitted in.

Matt introduced me as the tech shadowing girl to colleagues. And at that point I followed him around everywhere just like his shadow.  He explained about the flys which were the curtains and picture boards going up and down on stage.  Then he showed me the smoke bombs and referred to them as pyrotechnics.  I asked why they were called pyrotechnics and he said pyro is Latin and stands for fireworks because they make a loud bang and smoke like a firework.  Well I like pyrotechnics even though I’m not into tech.

The manager was at the side of the stage and I asked what he was doing.  He said he was going through the script from the start to of the play and shouting out the cues (instructions) to the  sound and lights crew.  That made me think how important back stage is to make the show happen, it’s not just the actors, without the crew there’d be no pyrotechnics, the voices of the actors wouldn’t carry to the back of the auditorium and there would be no special effects, lighting, sound or props.

The crew had different jobs, but everything had to sync for the sake of the show.  And the manager with his cues made sure everybody with their jobs made the performance, enhancing the actor’s creativity and bringing together talent, to make marvellous entertainment.

I shadowed Matt on stage whilst he set up and checked everything was working.  So, when the cues were given everything would work like clockwork, including, lighting, sound, pyrotechnics and stage props one of which was Cinderella’s carriage, the pumpkin coach.

Matt then led me in front of stage to a sunken area which looked like a flying saucer had landed within the heart of the music where the orchestra played, lifting hearts and imaginations into space.

From behind the scenes I saw dancers on stage, actors rushing to their dressing rooms and discovered their secret passage, short cut, onto stage.

I think this was my initiation.

Then I was led into the sound room at the back of the auditorium to watch a wonderful play ‘Cinderella’ a classical love story with a happy ending.  And that’s what Underground Lights do, they spread a little love in the world especially at Christmas time.  As I watched the tech staff were listening for cues on their headphones so I had to keep very quiet.  He was conducting the sound from stage throughout the whole auditorium so even the back aisle could hear.  I was allowed headphones and the crew were reminded to be on their best behaviour.  However, the cues were coded and didn’t make much sense to a novice like me.  But that was ok as the play took me away!

At the end of the show I thanked Matt for taking me on board and allowing me to shadow.  I feel I know more about tech behind scenes now and what makes the magic of the show. Underground lights kindly offered me.

It was at that point I realised what Underground Lights are all about, giving opportunities; to everyone, to the homeless and people with mental health problems to enable them to reach their full potential.

‘Underground Lights lights Up Peoples Lives’ and celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.

Giving disadvantaged people a voice through drama and supporting homeless people not just for Xmas but for life.  Spreading the love of Christmas throughout the year.  They understand the value of people.

Their unique relationship with the Belgrade theatre puts people and talent to the forefront.