Feel like an actress?! Or a maestro?! Experience the whole stage, both on and off the stage
A world of art to visit, see and feel
File.2 Yokosuka Arts Theatre Backstage Tour
Yokosuka Arts Theatre is a fully-equipped hall with a large theater designed for a full-scale opera house, one of the few in Japan. On its stage, top stars from various fields, from classical music to musicals and traditional performing arts, have been in the spotlight, including Japan's world-renowned maestro Seiji Ozawa.
When I heard that a "Backstage Tour" was being held, where you could see every corner of this coveted theater, I didn't hesitate to go!
We gathered at the loading entrance near the entrance to the parking lot. Pushing open the heavy door, we found ourselves in a huge space large enough to store an entire large trailer. Who would have thought such a place existed in a place we normally wouldn't notice...
Right next to it is the so-called "abyss" under the stage floor of the large theater. The main stage platform, which carries stage equipment and props to the stage, can carry up to about 25 tons.
There are many dangerous places backstage that can be dangerous to approach, 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 upstairs!
When I got off the elevator on the third floor, I found myself in the wings of the main theater. A bright ring of light was formed in the middle of the stage, and beyond that a bright red opera curtain hung down.
Out of nowhere, I heard the sound of an orchestra tuning up and the murmurs of the audience...
The curtains open to the accompaniment of magnificent music, revealing a panoramic view of the 1,806-seat auditorium, all the way to the balcony above!
An emotional moment befitting the opening of the backstage tour!
After taking a commemorative photo of all participants, the group split into two and each group experienced the stage machinery.
The teams that remained on stage first tried 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 quite thrilling.
Before we knew it, the stage had become dim, and now a dazzling spotlight was shining on it...!
According to the explanation, the spotlight was being operated by a member of the team who had just gone upstairs.
It doesn't matter who's shining the spotlight on you. 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'm a star!
We then took the elevator up to the seventh floor and came out into the space above the stage known as the "gallery." This was literally backstage, with lighting equipment and stage props hanging from the ceiling. Looking down at the stage, the dizzying height made my heart race again.
Next, we walked 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 then let's give it a try!
Next, everyone sat in the audience and watched a demonstration of the stage machinery.
What appears on stage are colorful lights dancing wildly, as well as props such as stage batons, curtains, and pianos. They simply sway and dance in time with the music, yet it's so dramatic!
Even though it creates such a wide variety of scenes, it only utilizes a small portion of the entire stage machinery of the large theater. Just how much potential does it have? Amazing! Yokosuka Arts Theater!
It was a wonderful demonstration worthy of being called "showtime," and I felt the skilled techniques of the staff supporting the stage and their deep love for the stage.
Then ideas began to grow in my head: "I want to come to a concert this summer," "I'd also like to see a traditional performing arts show."
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 head to the orchestra pit in front of the stage, a space where the orchestra weaves dreamlike music during opera and ballet performances.
I once again fantasised about the world's maestros standing on this podium and receiving the applause of 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 played at the beginning of the tour.
Backstage tours at Yokosuka Arts Theatre are held irregularly. Schedules are announced on the theatre's website, so be sure to check it out.
For details and to apply, please check the official website !
