A world of art to visit, see and feel
File.2 Yokosuka Arts Theatre Backstage Tour
Yokosuka Arts Theatre is a fully-equipped hall that has a large theater with full opera house specifications, one of the few in Japan. On its stage, top stars from various fields, from classical music to musicals and traditional performing arts, including world-renowned maestro Seiji Ozawa, have been in the spotlight.
When I heard that a "backstage tour" was being held, where I could see every nook and cranny of this coveted theater, I didn't hesitate to go!
We gathered at the loading entrance near the entrance to the parking lot. When we pushed open the heavy door and entered, we found a huge space large enough to store a large trailer in its entirety. Who would have thought that such a place existed in a place we would never normally notice...?
Right next to it is the underside of the stage of the large theater, known as the "abyss." The main stage platform, which carries the stage equipment and instruments to the stage, can carry up to 25 tons.
There are many dangerous places backstage that can be easily approached, so everyone makes sure to listen carefully to the warnings given during the tour.
Finally, we boarded the large elevator that can carry up to 4 tons and headed to the upper floor!
When I got off the elevator on the third floor, I found myself in the wings of the large theater. A bright ring of light was created in the middle of the stage, and beyond that was a bright red opera curtain hanging down.
Out of nowhere, I heard the sound of an orchestra tuning up and the murmuring of the audience...
As the curtains part to the sound of grand music, the 1,806-seat auditorium is revealed, offering a full view all the way to the balcony above!
An emotional moment befitting the opening of the backstage tour!
After taking a commemorative photo of all the participants, they split into two groups and each got to experience the stage machinery.
The teams that remained on stage first had the opportunity to try out operating the art baton.
High above the stage, there are 50 "art batons" that hang the equipment and curtains. You can experience raising and lowering these batons using a control panel. It's kind of thrilling.
Before we knew it, the stage had become dim, and suddenly a dazzling spotlight was on it...!
They explained that the spotlight was being operated by a member of the team who had just gone upstairs.
It doesn't matter who's shining the light on you, because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the spotlight on an opera house stage. Overcome the glare and embarrassment and enjoy the feeling of being a prima donna.
I am a star!
We took the elevator up to the seventh floor and came to a space above the stage called the "gallery." This was literally backstage, with the lighting equipment and stage sets hanging from the ceiling. Looking down at the stage, the dizzying height made my heart pound again.
Next, we walk through the maze-like backstage area to the pin spot room.
Now it's our turn to follow the other team members with the spotlight. We'll teach them how to operate it one by one, and let's try!
Next, we all sat in the audience and watched a demonstration of the stage machinery.
What appears on stage are colorful lights dancing wildly, art batons, curtains, pianos, and other props. They just sway and dance to the music, yet it's so dramatic!
Even though it produces such a wide variety of scenes, it is said that only a small part of the entire stage mechanism of the large theater is actually being used. Just how much potential does it have? Amazing! Yokosuka Arts Theater!
It was a wonderful demonstration worthy of being called "showtime," and I could sense the skilled techniques and deep love that the staff members who support the stage have for the stage.
Then ideas began to grow in my head: "I want to come to a concert this summer," "I'd like to see a traditional performing arts performance," etc.
And what I was personally most interested in was a tour of the dressing rooms.
There are large rooms that can accommodate more than 10 people, medium-sized private rooms for leading actors to use with their managers, and small private rooms preferred by maestros who want to increase their concentration. As you would expect from a theater built to the specifications of an opera house, there are a variety of dressing rooms.
My imagination runs wild, wondering if Seiji Ozawa also sat on this sofa.
Finally, we went to the orchestra pit in front of the stage, a space where the orchestra spins dreamy music during opera and ballet performances.
I once again fantasise that a world-famous maestro has stood on this podium and received thunderous applause from the audience.
When I closed my eyes, I felt as if I could faintly hear the orchestra tuning up and the murmur of the audience that had been played at the beginning of the tour.
Backstage tours of the Yokosuka Arts Theatre are held irregularly. Schedules are announced on the website, so be sure to check it out.
For details and to apply, please check the official website !
