Go, see, and experience! The world of stage technology that creates fascinating stages

A world of art to visit, see and feel
File.23 Yamato Arts and Culture Hall "Fascinating Stage Technology"
Miyuki Inoue (Magcal Editorial Department)

Great music and heart-warming stories. Laughter, tears and emotion. I believe that the whole world can be found on stage.
The artists who create such a theatrical space are truly amazing.
However, the artists shine even more thanks to the efforts of the technical staff, including lighting, sound, and stage machinery operation. The backstage tour of the hall, which gives a glimpse of this, is very popular.

* Click here for the Yokosuka Arts Theatre backstage tour experience report >>>

This time, we focused on a project by the Yamato Arts and Culture Hall that goes one step further and offers a full-day experience in stage technology. The project is called "Arts Management Course: Fascinating Stage Technology."
Anyone over junior high school age can participate, even if they have no experience, but what exactly can they do there? With this simple question in mind, I went to Sirius, the Yamato City Cultural Creation Center where the course was being held.

First, compare the two photos below.
*Photo: Toshihiko Kato, SS Corporation

The first photo shows a stage surrounded by a black curtain. This scene will be familiar to anyone who goes to see a play or dance performance.

*Photo: Toshihiko Kato, SS Corporation

The second photo shows a wall that runs from the auditorium to the stage, a sight that will be familiar to brass band members and classical music concert fans.

Needless to say, both are the main halls of Yamato Arts and Culture Hall.
The block-like walls surrounding the stage in the second photo are called "acoustic reflectors" and are installed to efficiently reflect the sound of live performances.
Don't just let it go and say, "Hmm..."
It is usually divided into parts and stored on the stage, but when you see it up close, it is incredibly huge, weighing a total of 58 tons! It takes more than 30 minutes to set it all up.
"This time, we want you to experience the difference in the sound reverberation with and without the soundboard," said Shimizu, a hall staff member. The difference is obvious, and "even an amateur can tell if they try it."
I can see the difference...it feels more "professional" somehow, and it's interesting.

*Photo: Toshihiko Kato, SS Corporation

Standing on the stage and looking up, you see this view. You can see the heavy soundboard hanging down. For safety reasons, even hall staff are not allowed to enter the hall during the installation work.

If you've heard that you might be able to experience this impressive task this time and think, "Sounds interesting," then you're in!
Welcome to the fascinating world of stage technology!

*Photo: Toshihiko Kato, SS Corporation

This is the work space above the stage where the soundboard is stored. It is located at a high position overlooking the stage, and many of the lighting and stage equipment are stored here.
In stage-related work, a lot of work is done at high altitudes, and even a slight lapse in attention can lead to a serious accident. Since the work is always tense, it's cool to see the staff moving briskly.

In this project, participants will be able to receive guidance from professionals in each field and spend a day experiencing everything from setting up the stage to cleaning up afterwards, from "preparation" to "disassembly." This kind of opportunity rarely comes around!

This is the lighting control room. It is located high up overlooking the stage behind the audience. Even if you have visited Sirius Hall many times, the view from here will feel fresh.

This is the sound engineer's control room. Recently, there are more and more cases where the sound engineer operates the sound engineer from the rear of the auditorium, so there are many opportunities to see the sound engineer's work up close. The sight of the latest equipment lined up is very cool, but of course you can't touch it without permission.
However, in this course, you will have the opportunity to get hands-on with lighting and sound equipment.

We spoke with Oizumi Yoshiko (right, Suntory Publicity Services Ltd.), the business manager of the hall who guided us around, and Shimizu Kaname (left, Sigma Communications Inc.), the general manager.

"No matter how much technology advances in the machinery of sound, lighting, and stage, I believe the core of the professional work that supports live performances will not change significantly. We planned this exhibition because we wanted people to know what the technicians think and what they value. We are still in the process of planning the specific content, but I think that by learning about the work of the professionals who support the stage, you will be able to see things in a different way and enjoy them in a different way than before," said Oizumi.

"The possibilities for the stage are endless. Of course there are time and budget constraints, but if you tell us, 'I'd like to try this!' we'll do our best to meet your needs. Based on what we've experienced in the course, let's all think together and create a fun stage production!" (Shimizu)

For those who love watching plays and those who want to be on stage themselves.
First, take the first step!

This event has ended.
"Arts Management Course: Fascinating Stage Techniques"
[Date and time] Saturday , January 25, 2020 Doors open at 9:00 / Starts at 9:15 / Ends at 18:00
[Venue] Yamato City Cultural Creation Center Sirius 1F Art and Culture Hall Main Hall
[Lecturer] Sigma Communications Co., Ltd.
[Performance cooperation] Yamato City Minamirinkan Junior High School Brass Band
[Recruitment target] Junior high school students and above
[Number of applicants] *Applications will close once capacity is reached
1. Experience available: Approximately 5-6 people each for stage, sound, and lighting
② Observation only: Approximately 100 people
[Fee] ①1,000 yen (including tax and insurance) / ②Free