Stage Door Blog Excerpts

First of all, as a person who has been involved in stage crew for the past three years (from set design to lighting), talking about the technical aspect of theater is something I quite enjoy. Here are the videos that caught my attention:

Neil Patrick Harris: What If Life Were More Like Theater from the  2012 Tony Awards

Here we see almost every well-known technical theater trick used in just 5 minutes. Lighting and sound cues, cables, on-stage costume changes, the works. 

Peter Pan: I'm Flying

The obvious technology influencing this scene is the cable work. Without the cables being worked by some lucky stage hand, this song wouldn't be anywhere near as interesting or believable.

Guys and Dolls: Sit Down You're Rocking The Boat

The contributing technology in this scene includes lighting and the stage backgrounds.

Anything Goes: Blow, Gabriel, Blow

The lighting work is significant to this scene. The lights are dimmed, and the spotlight is focused on only her top half. Also, the costumes contribute to the upbeat and flashy number.

Annie Get Your Gun: There's No Business Like Show Business!

The extravagant lighting and orchestra onstage adds to the high caliber of this performance.

Evita: A New Argentina

The use of technology greatly enhanced this scene from Evita. Stage pyrotechnics are always fun. Also, the descending backdrops contribute to the visual political message.

Cabaret: Willkommen

The technology that is seen in the opening scene of Cabaret influences the mood of the entire production. The artificially lit background, the musicians on stage, and even the seating of the viewers enhanced the experience.

Technology is arguably as important to a production as any performance aspect. One cannot exist without the other. With time, these technologies will become more advanced, and theater will only grow.