I have two other shots here from the backstage area at Southam Hall, for the Opera Lyra production of The Barber Of Seville.
Beyond the immediate backstage at Southam Hall is this scenic workshop area, expanding the backstage area even more. It's used for the making of setpieces for theatrical productions, and is filled with tools and machine equipment (and a portrait of Cary Grant, strangely enough). Passing through here, I wondered what my dad, who could have gone into carpentry had he wanted, would have made of all this equipment. There are also workshops in the NAC for props and wardrobes.
I think that way about my Mamam (gram), but instead of tools, I think, what would she think of all these cookery and bake gadgets these days.
ReplyDeleteDId you get snow? We got big fat snowflakes. Soooo pretty.
where the magic happens?
ReplyDeleteYou have had a interesting trip to be in the backstage.
ReplyDeleteThese and previous pictures are fabulous.
I really like the chaise longue in your first photo! :)
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to see all these details of Southampton Hall, here and last two posts William. Really enjoyed the peek backstage. Working live on stage must be so nerve wracking, no chance for a 'take two' :)
ReplyDeleteI've always thought that it must be really fun to be a set builder!
ReplyDeleteI like that chaise longue too, can see some in a long dress lie on it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a marvelously eclectic collection. :-)
ReplyDeleteLike I already wrote yesterday: it's wonderful to have a view backstage. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteAgain, I find this most interesting as I seldom think of all the work and people involved in these productions. And that portrait of Cary Grant is perfect for the place. Maybe it's to give the workers a little more incentive?
ReplyDeleteLooks like a well-equipped workshop. I like seeing some of what's behind the scenes.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is the guts of the theater where sets are created. They usually have an amazing variety of tools like this one. I I see you took this photo at exactly 1:00 PM
ReplyDeleteMy dad was a carpenter--and just about everything else involved with design and building. He would have found this fascinating.
ReplyDeleteInteresting photos to share. Have a happy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteLooks like they have everything they need!
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be nice to join one of the workshops!
ReplyDelete@Whisk: yes, we got snow in the night, and there's some light stuff falling at present.
ReplyDelete@Tex: indeed!
@Orvokki: thanks!
@Linda: I figured that would get some comments.
@Grace: stage fright is not an option, as they say.
@Tamera: I would think there's always a good deal of variety in the job.
@Marianne: I can see that too.
@Revrunner: very much so!
@Jan: I thoroughly enjoyed having the chance to wander through the open house. It's a great concept for the NAC to have the community interact.
ReplyDelete@Lowell: I imagine he must have been here at some point late in his career- the place dates back from the late 60s, and that photo of him certainly fits from beyond that period.
@EG: so do I. The wall decorations in the workshop are quite unusual for such a location.
@Red: I figured the time would get noticed!
@Norma: though I'm not handy with tools, I did find it interesting.
@Nancy: thanks!
@Sharon: the shop did look fully stocked.
@Marleen: definitely for some guys!
These posts on the NAC were very interesting. It's nice to see behind the scenes.
ReplyDeleteWay cool. Now you've got me humming one of Rosina's arias!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun scenic workshop! Are you going to take acting lessons? :)
ReplyDeleteJanis
GDP
That is quite a workshop! Love the Avro Arrow banner!
ReplyDeleteWe have that exact chaise or "chanson d'amor" from the first photo. I begged my mom for it as a teen, had it reupolstered in green velvet and now it's Pinky and Fiona's bed.
ReplyDelete@Pamela: and more to come, though tomorrow I'm stepping aside for something else!
ReplyDelete@Ciel: thank you! You really do love the opera.
@Janis: I did in high school.
@RedPat: me too. I wonder if it came from a production at some point.
@Eve: a good spot for those two!
I am thinking every theater must have a fainting couch.
ReplyDeleteAnother fascinating look behind the scenes William, an insight into how the magic occurs....
ReplyDeletecool architecture, those windows r cool! ( ;
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed all the backstage views in this post, which go to show just how much work goes into a production.
ReplyDeleteThe front stage must be magnificent when the back stage can be breath taking.
ReplyDeleteOooh! Thanks for showing this. It's wonderful! Full of all sorts of interesting things...even Cary Grant.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! So much work goes into a production.
ReplyDeleteInteresant and lovely photos !!
ReplyDeleteThis is the place I like more... until now!
ReplyDeleteI love it backstage. My son is an actor!
ReplyDeleteWhat I loved most was being in the choir, lining up to enter in the backstage hallway, and peeking into the dressing roos for the conductor, and guest soloists!
ReplyDeleteSo many interesting things here !
ReplyDelete@Janey: possible!
ReplyDelete@Geoff: there's a lot of space back there.
@Beth: definitely.
@Beatrice: that's true.
@Mari: that it is.
@Kay: you're welcome.
@Linda: there is a lot.
@Orvokki: thank you!
@Revrunner: thanks!
@Jennifer: and I've been in those spaces.
@Karl: a whole lot.