Go, see and experience! The world of stage technology that creates an enchanting stage

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

Great music and heart-wrenching stories. Laughter, tears and emotions. My theory is that everything in the world is on the stage.
The artist who creates such a stage space is truly wonderful.
However, the ability of the technical staff to operate the lighting, sound, and stage equipment is what makes the artists shine even brighter. The backstage tour of the hall is popular, where you can catch a glimpse of it.

* Click here for the backstage tour experience of Yokosuka Arts Theater >>>

This time, we took it a step further and focused on the Yamato Arts and Culture Hall project, where you can experience stage techniques for a whole day. The name of the course is "Art Management Course 'Fascinating Stage Techniques'".
It seems that junior high school students and above can participate even if they have no experience, but what can they do? With a simple question in my heart, I went to Yamato City Cultural Creation Center Sirius, where the lecture was held.

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

The first is a picture of a stage surrounded by a black curtain. I think this scenery is familiar to people who go to see theater and dance.

*Photo: SS Co., Ltd. Toshihiko Kato

In the second photo, the wall is continuous from the audience seats to the stage. If you are a member of a brass band or a fan of classical music concerts, this will be a familiar sight.

Needless to say, both are the main halls of the Yamato Arts and Culture Hall.
The block-shaped walls surrounding the stage in the second photo are called "acoustic reflectors," which are installed to efficiently reverberate the sound of live performances.
Hmmm... don't ignore it.
It's usually divided and stored on the stage, but when you see it up close, it's huge, with a total weight of about 58 tons! It took over 30 minutes to install all of this.
"This time, I'd like you to experience the difference in sound reverberation with and without the echo board," says hall staff Shimizu. The difference is so obvious that even an amateur can understand it if they experience it.
I can see the difference... it's kind of "professional" and it's interesting.

*Photo: SS Co., Ltd. Toshihiko Kato

When you stand on the stage and look up, this is the view. You can see that a heavy echo board is hanging. In order to ensure safety, it is said that even hall staff are not allowed to enter the hall during the installation work.

When you heard that you might be able to experience such a powerful work this time, you thought it would be interesting!
Welcome to the fascinating world of stage technology!

*Photo: SS Co., Ltd. Toshihiko Kato

This is the work space above the stage where the echo board is stored. Located in a high position overlooking the stage, many of the lighting equipment and stage equipment are stored here.
In work related to the stage, there is a lot of work at such heights, and a little carelessness can lead to a serious accident. There is always tension during work, so it's cool to see the staff moving briskly.

In this project, while receiving guidance from professionals in each field, it seems that you can experience everything from setting up the stage to cleaning up afterward, from so-called "preparation" to "disassembly" over the course of a day. Such an opportunity is rare!

This is the lighting control room. It is in a high position overlooking the stage behind the audience. Even those who have visited Sirius Hall many times will find the scenery from here fresh.

This is the sound control room. Recently, there are more and more cases where people operate the equipment while standing behind the audience seats, so there are many opportunities to see the performance up close. The scenery with the latest equipment lined up is very cool, but of course you shouldn't touch it without permission.
However, in this course, you can touch equipment for lighting and sound.

We spoke with Ms. Yoshiko Oizumi (right: Suntory Publicity Service Ltd.), who is in charge of the hall's business, and Mr. Kaname Shimizu (left: Sigma Communications Co., Ltd.), the general manager.

“No matter how advanced the mechanical technology of sound, lighting, stage, etc. is, I don’t think the core of the professional work that supports live performances will change much. What do engineers think and what do they value? I planned it because I wanted you to know how it is.The specific content is still being planned, but if you learn about the work of the professionals who support the stage, I think you will be able to see and enjoy it in a different way than before.” (Mr. Oizumi)

“The possibilities of the stage are endless. Of course, there are time and budget constraints, but if you tell us what you would like to do, we will do our best to accommodate you. Based on what we have done, let's all think together and create a fun stage!" (Mr. Shimizu)

People who like to watch the stage and people who want to stand on the stage.
Take the first step!

This event has ended.
《Art Management Course “Fascinating Stage Techniques》
[Date and time] Saturday, January 25, 2020 9:00 open / 9:15 start 18:00 scheduled to end
[Venue] Yamato City Cultural Creation Base Sirius 1F Arts and Culture Hall Main Hall
[Lecturer] Sigma Communications Co., Ltd.
[Performance Cooperation] Yamato Municipal Minamirinkan Junior High School Brass Band Club
[Recruitment target] Junior high school students and above
[Number of applicants] *Deadline as soon as the capacity is reached
①Experience: 5 to 6 people each for stage, sound, and lighting
②Visit only: about 100 people
[Fee] ①1,000 yen (including tax and insurance) / ②Free