Do you feel like an actress?! A maestro? Experience everything behind the scenes and behind the scenes.
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File.2 Yokosuka Arts Theater Backstage Tour
Yokosuka Arts Theater is one of the few halls in Japan that has a large theater with the specifications of a full-fledged opera house. On stage, top stars from various fields, from classical music to musicals to classical 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 I could see every corner of this coveted theater, I had no hesitation and went!
The meeting point is at the loading dock near the parking lot entrance. When I pushed open the heavy door and entered, I found myself in a huge space that could accommodate an entire large trailer. I didn't know that a place like this existed in a place I didn't even notice.
Right next to it is the so-called ``abyss'' below the stage of a large theater. The main stage support, which transports stage equipment and equipment to the stage, can hold approximately 25 tons.
There are many places backstage that are dangerous to get close to, so everyone pays close attention to the precautions during the tour.
Then, finally, get on the large elevator that can carry up to 4 tons and go upstairs!
When you get off the elevator on the third floor, you will find yourself in the wings of a large theater. A bright ring of light was created in the middle of the stage, and a bright red opera curtain descended beyond it.
Out of nowhere, I could hear the tuning sound of the orchestra and the murmur of the audience...
When the curtains open with spectacular music, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the 1,806-seat audience all the way to the balcony on the upper floor!
An emotional moment that marks the beginning of the backstage tour!
After taking a commemorative photo with all the participants, we divided into two groups and each went to experience the stage mechanism.
The teams remaining on stage first experienced operating the art baton.
Far above the stage, there are 50 ``art batons'' that hang equipment and curtains. Experience the operation of raising and lowering this baton using the control console. I'm kind of excited.
Before you know it, a bright spotlight appears on the dimly lit stage...!
According to the explanation, the team members who went upstairs earlier are operating the spotlights.
It doesn't matter who is shining the light. It's a rare chance to be in the spotlight on an opera house-style stage. Overcome the glare and embarrassment and enjoy the feeling of being a prima donna.
I'm a star!
After taking the elevator up to the seventh floor, we found ourselves in a space above the stage called the "Gallery." A literal backstage area where lighting equipment and stage equipment are hung. Looking down at the stage, I was once again thrilled by the dizzying height of the stage.
Next, go through the maze-like backstage area to the pin spot room.
Now it's our turn to spotlight the other team members. Each person was taught how to operate the controls, and let's try!
Next, everyone sat in the audience seats and watched a demonstration of the stage mechanism.
What appears on the stage is a dance of colorful lights and tools such as art batons, curtains, and a piano. Even though they just sway and dance to the music, it's so dramatic!
Despite creating such a variety of scenes, only a small portion of the entire stage structure of a large theater is utilized. Just how many possibilities does it have? It’s amazing! Yokosuka Arts Theater!
It was a wonderful demonstration worthy of being called ``Showtime,'' and I felt the skill of the staff supporting the stage and their deep love for the stage.
Ideas began to grow in my head, such as, ``I want to go to a concert this summer,'' and ``I want to see a traditional performing arts performance.''
Another thing that I was personally interested in was the tour of the dressing room.
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 for maestros who want to improve their concentration. As expected from an opera house-style theater, there are a variety of dressing rooms.
My imagination began to spread, wondering if Seiji Ozawa was also sitting on this sofa.
And finally, we headed to the orchestra pit in front of the stage. It is a space where the orchestra creates dream-like music when performing opera or ballet.
Once again, I was delusional, thinking that the world's maestros were standing on this podium, receiving applause from the audience.
When I closed my eyes, I felt like I could faintly hear the tuning of the orchestra and the murmur of the audience at the beginning of the tour.
Backstage tours of Yokosuka Arts Theater are held irregularly. The schedule will be announced on the homepage, etc., so be sure to check it out.
Check the official website for details and application!!
