Tech Week

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Vinegar Tom's last week of rehearsal: tech week!

The view from the lighting/sound booth

Famously known as the most stressful week in any theatre production, tech week involves merging the acting that has been happening in rehearsal with all of the technical elements of the show that the designers have planned, including lighting, sound, set elements, props, and costumes. The stage managers and technical crew usually take this time to plan when lighting and sound cues will happen, and when set and costume changes occur. The actors get into "show mode," meaning that backstage areas are kept dimly lit, so that the audience can't see offstage, and costumes and make-up are required. This is a very exciting time, since tech week is usually when the show "comes to life." With so many elements to incorporate, though, it's no wonder why tech weeks are notoriously a little stressful. 

Although the actors have been practicing with rehearsal props and costumes (those are the simple skirts and shoes you see in previous rehearsal photos), they are clearly very excited to be in their show costumes: 

Another exciting addition to the play at this time is lighting. Lights often really transform a rehearsal space into a theatre, as you can tell from the photos below:

View from the lighting table in the theatre

Liz Swaffield, our lighting designer, has added some really great lighting effects to the show.

The lights completely change the way the paint on the set looks, as well as the fabric of the costumes. A total transformation! 

The designers are carefully watching rehearsal to make sure that everything goes as planned, and also to receive Peter's confirmation that what is happening onstage is appropriate to his directorial concept and ideas for the show. So far, everything is going beautifully. After just a few more nights of rehearsal, the show will open this Friday, April 20th and run through the 19th. Be sure to check in with our box office for your tickets!