Opera Stage Management 101 – Part Six: Piano Tech & Artist Takeover Day

Yesterday was a long day of tech, and you get a different form of blog post today….because I was the one doing the Artist Takeover for the company’s Twitter feed. I really could only post when we were doing the light cueing, or at the end of the night because of my focus, but occasionally I’d grab a photo while walking past something in order to post it several hours later. Here’s a glimpse at my day.

Good morning! I’m the #BarberBLO Stage Manager, Erin Joy Swank, taking over the Twitter account today to give you a peek behind the scenes as we tech. Assistant Director Melanie Bacaling may also be popping in between her Instagram posts. #stagemanagerlifepic.twitter.com/VkqBkYiDnU

— Boston Lyric Opera (@BostLyricOpera) October 5, 2018

We’re setting light cues right now and continuing to finesse the scenery. It’s a full day for production staff, plus two rehearsal sessions later today. #BarberBLO#stagemanagerlife#stagemanagerspic.twitter.com/ZNALMIKa0P

— Boston Lyric Opera (@BostLyricOpera) October 5, 2018

Here’s Assistant Director Melanie Bacaling (pretending she’s wearing a tall hat) and Production Assistant Sam Layco standing in for two lantern carriers who will be in the house (audience), while we set Light Cue #31. #BarberBLOpic.twitter.com/tm4aczheQD

— Boston Lyric Opera (@BostLyricOpera) October 5, 2018

On a long tech day it can take some effort for tech staff to see the sun. Luckily, I got some “fresh air” over the lunch break and caught this selfie of our marquee. #BarberBLO#smlife#stagemanager – Erin pic.twitter.com/OzWbVvKSWp

— Boston Lyric Opera (@BostLyricOpera) October 5, 2018

(Full disclosure – I took the above shot about 12:45p, and then wasn’t able to post it for another very busy five hours or so…)

Many stage managers bring mascots to the tech table. Eeyore here (“son” of Erin) tried to help sort out schedules with Production Coordinator Andrew Trego during a break… #BarberBLO#smlife#stagemanagers#viewfrommydeskpic.twitter.com/brBoLMauMB

— Boston Lyric Opera (@BostLyricOpera) October 5, 2018

Yep, Eeyore is making new friends. This shot was taken on a 15 minute break during Piano Tech.

We’ve got everything preset for Piano Tech #3. Get your #BarberBLO props on the way to stage right! – Erin #stagemanager#smlifepic.twitter.com/Bme8KQUn6W

— Boston Lyric Opera (@BostLyricOpera) October 5, 2018

When I got home, I was instant messaging with a friend who told me this STAGE RIGHT sign was actually painted as a scenic element for the film The Tooth Fairy, with The Rock. I haven’t investigated further to verify, but will ask around today. [Update: film title is actually The Game Plan.] He also told me another fun thing to look for in the theatre, so we’ll see if I find it.

We’ve still got a lot of finessing to do (and light cues to add to the mix), but I just called the last automation and final curtain cues for the first time, before #BarberBLO Piano Tech #3 was finished. Sorry about the slightly nose-up shot! ? – Erin #stagemanagers#smlifepic.twitter.com/TbOB5KrfAH

— Boston Lyric Opera (@BostLyricOpera) October 6, 2018

I have SOOOOO much further to go with this cueing sequence, but I wanted to capture it since I had permission! Not terrible for the first time, definitely shows signs for improvement. My ASMs each give me a clear for “left” and “right” when singers are set on a piece. I can see it fine from front of house, but it will be a big white blob in the middle of my monitor when I’m calling from backstage.

Sneak peek of one of our revolves! Yes, as a stage manager on this one I actually have “two turntables and a microphone!” #BarberBLO#stagemanagers#smlifepic.twitter.com/9C1VSz60tP

— Boston Lyric Opera (@BostLyricOpera) October 6, 2018

We like this phrase…a lot. Opera singers don’t use microphones, but I do!

It’s 11:30pm and the production staff is ready to finally head out of the theatre, with some of us back at 8am tomorrow. Thanks for joining us on this behind the scenes artist takeover. #BarberBLO opens October 12th. #stagemanagers#smlifepic.twitter.com/fcMl0VtxKG

— Boston Lyric Opera (@BostLyricOpera) October 6, 2018

And now to head out for another day!

Check out more of my Opera Stage Management 101 series if you’re just joining.

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