The NAC's backstage area includes a large workshop space for the building of sets and other physical work involved behind the scenes. Carpenters, electricians, welders, and other trades are part of things back here, and some of their work can include the construction of props and sets. Full scale items were on display, as well as models for set designs. Often what someone might be called upon to do is to create something flat that appears, from the audience point of view, to be the real deal, such as a bookshelf or a painting. Some of that is below.
A wider view of the workshop. A photograph of the actor Cary Grant, taken later in life, is up on that wall. He must have come into the city at some point or another. Incidentally, my favourite Grant films would have to be North By Northwest, To Catch A Thief, The Philadelphia Story, and Bringing Up Baby. What are yours?
Blueprints are generally quite detailed, such as the case with this, showing another of the theatre spaces in the building. Aside from Southam Hall, there are three other formal performance areas, declining gradually in size to the more intimate Fourth Stage.
Being a workshop, this area has power tools and hand tools. Some of them were on display at large work tables.
Very interesting things to see ! I liked Gary Grant too ! My favorite movie was the one with the old ladies and the laces who killed all the widows !
ReplyDeleteThe bookshelf is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteNorth by Northwest is a very good film. I have not seen the other two.
...I'd find building sets to be interesting work!
ReplyDeleteMuito interessante meu amigo e aproveito para desejar um bom Domingo.
ReplyDeleteAndarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados
I am sure that a particular set of skills are required by the various tradespeople.
ReplyDeleteThose days I worked with hands and tools are so long gone. Nice to see!
ReplyDeleteFascinating glimpse into props.
ReplyDeleteso cool. i enjoy the mini view ... what great details. ( :
ReplyDeleteHello, the paintings are great. It is interesting to see the building sets and the tools. Enjoy your day and new week!
ReplyDelete@Gattina: thanks!
ReplyDelete@Ella: "that's not very sporting using real bullets."
@Tom: definitely.
@Francisco: thanks!
@David: indeed.
@Iris: it's beyond me.
@Marie: thank you.
@Beth: I agree.
@Eileen: thanks!
North by Northwest is a great film indeed.
ReplyDeleteI love Cary Grant!
I think we have seen just how much goes on in the making of a production William ✨
ReplyDeleteWhat a far cry from the faux stained glass panels I made on butcher paper for the sides of the stage in the gym in high school! We painted right on the gym floor, of course. I have no memory of the play, and after the play was over, the paintings were tossed.
ReplyDeleteYou showed all the things most people don't know about theaters. It was one of my favorite places to visit in our theater.
ReplyDeleteA lot of work that nobody notices...
ReplyDeleteNorth by Northwest is my favorite but everything with Grant in it is worth seeing.
ReplyDeleteOh what fun to be in a workshop!
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday, William!
Janis
Sounds like a talented crew.
ReplyDeleteNorth by Northwest is my favorite. I love those illusions, too! :-)
ReplyDeleteWonderful look around backstage.
ReplyDelete'North By Northwest' is one of my favourites as well. Thinking of it, I see the scene of that plane in front of me ...
That is a large space they have!
ReplyDeleteLooks like those work tables with the tools have seen much work done on them.
ReplyDeleteA lot of serious work goes on behind the scenes.
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious that these are all very professional items!
ReplyDeleteTakes a lot of talent to make these sets!
ReplyDeleteI'm just catching up with your visit to the NAC in Ottawa. What a marevllous place. I'd love to have a look around the back scenes. I love going to the theatre and I always wonder what goes on backstage. I've been in small theatre productions myself, but never in a big theatre complex like this.
ReplyDeleteThat workbench has had dedicated use, too.
ReplyDeleteThese things we don't often get to see. Interesting!
ReplyDelete"...favourite Grant films would have to be North By Northwest, To Catch A Thief, The Philadelphia Story, and Bringing Up Baby. What are yours?"
ReplyDeleteI have heard his name many times, but I am not sure that I have seen any of his films... but I must have, right? I mean, he is so famous.
@Italiafinlandia: of Hitchcock's films, North By Northwest is my favourite.
ReplyDelete@Grace: there is a lot of work behind the scenes.
@Barbara: we would have done similar things.
@Red: I enjoyed my visit.
@Karl: that is true.
@Sharon: I agree!
@Janis: it's eye opening.
@Janey: very much so.
@DJan: me too.
@Jan: I love the whole movie.
@RedPat: it certainly is.
@Happyone: that's the case.
@Bill: definitely.
@Marleen: very much so.
@Michelle: it does.
@Shammickite: this is a big place.
@Joanne: it really has.
@Nancy: I thought so.
@Sandi: you should see some of his work.
Delightful post and photos ~ so informative and such creative work being done ~
ReplyDeleteHappy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thank you.
DeleteLove the flat bookcase. I remember watching 'Mr Blandings Builds his Dream House' many years ago:)
ReplyDeleteThat one I haven't seen.
DeleteWhat a wonderful look around backstage, thank you.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
You're welcome.
DeleteThis is my favorite part of your open doors, the theatre and the backstage. I loved Cary Grant -- your faves are mine and I'd add "Arsenic and Old Lace" and "Charade."
ReplyDeleteGood ones!
DeleteIt's interesting. I love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteIt's so much work to do behind the scenes.
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
Delete