OA Shows Blog - NOAC 2006

We have no show tonight, but the day is planned as a major catch up time to get ready for the big one. We unloaded the Indian scenery and un-taped the floor last night. The tile patterns turned out just like they were supposed to.

The guys broke down the store front framing they had been building out on the ramp and brought it in to the stage. It is really massive, since so many stores had to be created to make it look like a mall and not just a local grocery store. Once the shopping center was framed out on the stage, it was necessary to add more downstage area for the actors to move around on. Extra platforms, legs, and decking had to be brought in from various places in the arena where we had been storing them.

Actually constructing the mall from the various store fronts, steps, planters, fountain, etc. turned out to be a major undertaking. It is definitely a team effort. It reminds me of a stage set-up that would be used for weeks or months at a time, not just one 2-hour show. For some of the crew, this was a “walk in the park” type of thing that they would do everyday anyway in their jobs/careers. For others of us, it is an amazing accomplishment that will stand out in our minds forever.

We came in today to do some minor touch up prior to the show and then start striking everything we are finished with. However, the minor touch up turned into major changes. We had to stop thinking about packing anything as ideas changed and new props were created.

Door handles were constructed out of the light racks that were used during the opening show. All of the Styrofoam that had been painted and cut until 2 A.M this morning was mounted up on top of the store fronts as moulding. However, the pyrotechnic crew had also been on stage during the night placing their effects throughout our scenery pieces. Then someone decided the Styrofoam might ignite, so all of that had to be taken down and trashed. New wood was purchased, painted, cut and installed.

The carpenters constructed a display unit for movie posters. Plexiglas was installed in this unit, as well as all the door and window frames of the stores. At the base of the top flight of stairs, an ATM machine was created, in case any of the shoppers tonight need ready cash.

Things are finally coming together and should all be completed in time. We also have to strike tonight after the show and load the trucks coming at 11 P.M. All of us are super tired and hopefully can make it through the load out without falling asleep. We had a great week together and look forward to our future encounters.