Technical Theater Training and Peony Cantonese Opera Production Notes

Upcoming Production Schedule and Loading Logistics

• The load-in process for the upcoming show begins on Friday after school hours.
• Although instructions specify a start time of $04:00$, it is anticipated that clients may arrive early.
• The primary task for the loading session involves moving in a substantial amount of backdrop scenery.
• The timeframe for the Friday load-in is expected to conclude by $6\,PM$. While there is a slight possibility of it running later, it will not extend until $8\,PM$, as clients typically aim to finish within a window of $3\,hours$.
• The anticipated final completion time for the Friday session is approximately $07:00$.
• Students do not need to wear the standard "Ted Black" attire for this specific load-in assignment.
• The workflow for the load-in includes:
  • Checking in upon arrival.
  • Assisting the client with loading scenery into the building.
  • Managing the high volume of personnel backstage.
  • Lowering the batten (the horizontal pipe) once scenery placement is determined.
  • Hanging the scenery onto the lowered bars.

Technical Training and Preparatory Requirements

• Essential technical training will take place in the theater on the Thursday prior to the show.
• Students will receive instruction on the following systems and tasks:
  • The fly rail system.
  • The counterweight balance system.
  • Procedures for hanging scenery correctly and safely.
• Mastering these skills by Thursday is mandatory, as the load-in on Friday at $04:00$ requires students to be prepared to assist the client immediately upon arrival.

Cultural Context and Performance Details

• The upcoming production is the Peony Cantonese opera.
• The performance follows the traditional Beijing opera style.
• A crash course based on the "Theater Episode on Beijing Opera" will be used to provide historical and stylistic context.
• Characteristics of this performance include:
  • A very elaborate style of traditional performance.
  • Traditional Beijing opera performance techniques.
  • Inclusion of modern numbers within the show.
• This specific show is a returning client for the theater, making it a priority for student staffing.

Student Participation and Fulfillment Requirements

• Students are required to work at least one minor show or one major show per semester.
• The Peony Cantonese opera qualifies as a minor show requirement.
• Students interested in participating can choose between different levels of involvement:
  • Limited Involvement: Assisting with the load-in on Friday and the load-out on Sunday afternoon.
  • Full Weekend Involvement: Working Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• Students working the full weekend will be assigned to the fly rail, which is the primary technical responsibility during the show. All other tasks are managed by the client's own team.
• Unlike most of the year when Sunday work is refused, this specific production is the only time Sunday work is scheduled.
• The nature of the work during the performances involves significant downtime. Students are encouraged to use this time to catch up on or get ahead with homework while sitting backstage.

Professional Advancement and Paid Technical Opportunities

• Students who demonstrate a high level of "tech-mindedness" during their first year are considered for paid positions.
• Strategic recruitment for paid roles begins at the conclusion of the first year, with a focus on encouraging students to move into the second-year production class.
• Hiring decisions are finalized during the first grading period of the second year.
• To be eligible for a paid contract for rentals, a student must be knowledgeable in three specific areas:
  • The fly rail system.
  • The lighting system.
  • The sound system.
• The theater typically hires between $3$ to $4$ students annually for rental events.
• The Peony Cantonese opera is a paid gig for advanced students. Current assignments include:
  • Cindy is scheduled to work the paid gig.
  • Corey is likely not working this specific event.
• The paid weekend schedule is roughly as follows:
  • Saturday: From $8\,AM$ to $7\,PM$.
  • Sunday: Tentatively from $11\,AM$ to $7\,PM$.
• This client is considered one of the highest-paying for the venue, yet the job is technically low-impact and quiet for the crew, characterized by minimal busywork.

Questions & Discussion

• Comment: A student mentioned having participated in a previous production, though they could not recall the specific name of the role or segment they were involved in, but noted it was a good show and they had a positive experience.
• Response: Confirmation was provided that the previous show was indeed a positive production and the student's contribution was acknowledged.