The Set Goes Up Early!

It's 6 weeks out from opening night. But it's time to build the set so that the cast has plenty of time to grow accustomed to the dangerous platform levels.

Here, some eager parent volunteers help me assemble the scaffolding. It's like a giant toy Erector Set, (but with no instructions!_ (Click our photos to enlarge them).


Here, head parent volunteer Kevin Pusch, helps the crew assemble the stage-left platforming. The scaffolding is dirty and rusty, but the rental company will not let me paint it, so stay tuned to see my creative solutions for decorating the pipes!


Mr. Pusch is retired, but seems to have lots of fun with what most other people call "work"! Here he is testing the weight-bearing strength of one of the "triscuits" we took from Triad Stage. Perfect! The wooden tops fit well and hold the weight of people as they should. Later, these triscuits will get covered in clear plexi-glass so I can shoot lights up at the actors!


The fun part for me is pointing out to the students how my original scale model, regardless of how rudimentary, is actually a good indication of how the set will really look during the play. Here you can see the stage-left platforming as it comes together in full scale!


As quality control, I like to have Mr. Pusch test anything dangerous before I allow the actors to use it. Here, Kevin is happy to test the cantilevered trusses that will hold up the 16 foot long bridge for Evita! (He loves this kind of stunt work!)