A few days ago, the painters, electricians and carpenters who have been working in the Scenic Studio packed up their tools, gave the floor a good cleaning and turned the space over to us for full time operation.  The resurrection is rather spectacular.  Think of the bionic man – we will rebuild it.  Stronger.  Faster.  In this case…cleaner!

Denis, the shop manager and the students quickly got busy installing the stationary power tools, assembling shelving and storing extension cords.  

I know I’ve said it here before, but the exercise of setting up a production facility (and later this semester, a performance venue) is a rare opportunity for students.  Looking back on my own undergraduate education I did much the same thing, though on a smaller scale.  I remember those experiences as being some of the most valuable I had and I’m confident that these young artists will feel much the same way 30 years later.

There is a special vibrancy in our new students this year.  It might have something to do with their quantity (more than ever before), but I’d like to think that they understand the relevance and uniqueness of their situation and are embracing it with vigor.

Along with the Scenic Studio, we are also getting ready to move back into the Mainstage support spaces.  Areas like the lighting and sound maintenance and supply rooms are nearly finished.  Boxes and boxes of reclaimed equipment are being opened and organized.  Several audio/video-centric students and I cataloged all the cables, amps, patch-bays and other devices with lights and dials that process audio and video.

Much of it will get re-racked and moved upstairs into the Art Center Gallery for our December production of Major Barbara, but the crews are estimating the control area of the Mainstage will be ready for us in only a few days.  I have some decisions to make about the distribution of equipment!

By the way, the preliminary design work for Major Barbara has been completed and I really think we are on to something special…

Chris