Feel like an actress?! Or a maestro?! Experience the whole stage, both on and off the stage

Go, see, and experience the world of art
File.2 Yokosuka Arts Theatre Backstage Tour

Yokosuka Arts Theatre is a well-equipped venue, boasting one of the few full-fledged opera house-style theaters in Japan. On its stage, top stars from various fields, from classical music and musicals to traditional performing arts, including Japan's world-renowned maestro Seiji Ozawa, have all been in the spotlight.
When I heard that they were holding a "backstage tour" where I could see every corner of that dream 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 area beneath the stage of the large theater, the so-called "pitaraku." The main stage lift, used to transport stage equipment and machinery to the stage, can carry up to approximately 25 tons.
There are many dangerous places backstage, so everyone listens carefully to the safety instructions given during the tour.
And finally, we boarded a large elevator that can carry up to 4 tons and headed up to the upper floors!
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.
From somewhere, I could hear the tuning of the orchestra and the murmur of the audience...

As the curtain opens to the accompaniment of magnificent music, you're greeted with a panoramic view of all 1806 seats, including the balcony on the upper floors!
A truly moving moment, perfectly suited to kick off the backstage tour!
After taking a group photo, the participants split into two groups to experience the stage mechanisms.
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 dimly lit, and a dazzling spotlight shone upon it...!
According to the explanation, the team members who went upstairs earlier are operating the spotlights.

It doesn't matter who's shining the light on me. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be bathed in the spotlight on an opera house-style stage. I'll overcome the dazzling brightness and my embarrassment and fully enjoy 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 made our way through the labyrinthine backstage area to the spotlight room.
Now it's our turn to use the spotlight to support the other team members. We'll learn how to use it one by one, and then let's try it!

Next, we all sat in the audience seats and watched a demonstration of the stage machinery.
On stage, a dazzling array of colorful lights, stage battens, curtains, pianos, and other props appear. They simply sway and dance in time with the music, yet it's incredibly dramatic!

Despite creating such a diverse range of scenes, only a small fraction of the entire stage mechanism of the large theater is being utilized. Just how much potential does it have? Amazing! Yokosuka Arts Theatre!

It was a wonderful demonstration worthy of being called "showtime," and I could feel the skilled techniques and deep love for the stage from the staff who supported the performance.
And so, ideas began to take shape in my mind: "I want to go to a concert this summer," and "I'd also like to see a performance of traditional performing arts."

And what I was personally very interested in was the tour of the dressing rooms.
There are large rooms that can accommodate more than 10 people, medium-sized private rooms used by leading actors and their managers, and even small private rooms preferred by maestros who want to enhance their concentration. As expected of a theater built to opera house specifications, the dressing rooms are also diverse.
I can't help but imagine that Seiji Ozawa might have sat on this sofa too...

And finally, we head to the orchestra pit in front of the stage. This is the space where the orchestra weaves together dreamlike music when performing operas and ballets.
I started daydreaming again, imagining that world-class maestros had stood on this podium, basking in the applause of their audiences...

When I closed my eyes, I felt as if I could faintly hear the orchestra tuning and the murmurs of the audience that had played at the beginning of the tour.

Backstage tours at the Yokosuka Arts Theatre are held irregularly. The schedule is announced on their website and other platforms, so be sure to check it out.
Check the official website for details and registration!