Go, see, and experience! The world of stage technology that creates captivating 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)

Wonderful 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 stage space are truly amazing.
However, it is thanks to the technical staff, who are in charge of lighting, sound, and operating the stage machinery, that the artists shine even more. Backstage tours of the hall are popular as they offer a glimpse of this.

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

This time, we're taking a step further and taking a look at a full-day program by the Yamato Arts and Culture Hall, called "Arts Management Course: Fascinating Stage Techniques."
Anyone from junior high school age and above can participate, even if they have no experience, but what exactly can they do? With a simple question in mind, I went to Sirius, the Yamato City Cultural Creation Center where the course is being held.

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

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 Co., Ltd.

The second photo shows a continuous wall that runs from the audience to the stage, a sight that will be familiar to brass band members and fans of classical concerts.

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" and are installed to efficiently reflect the sound of live performances.
Don't just let it go and say, "Hmm..."
It is usually stored in sections 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 people to experience the difference in how sound resonates with and without a soundboard," said hall staff member Shimizu. The difference is so obvious that "even an amateur would definitely be able to tell if they experienced it."
I can see the difference...it feels more "professional" and interesting.

*Photo: Toshihiko Kato, SS Co., Ltd.

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 work this time and think, "Sounds interesting!"
Welcome to the fascinating world of stage technology!

*Photo: Toshihiko Kato, SS Co., Ltd.

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.
Stage-related work often involves working at high altitudes, and even a slight lapse in attention can lead to a major accident. Work is always tense, so 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 at the back of 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 have been more cases where the sound engineer is stationed at the back of the audience, so there are many opportunities to see their work up close. The sight of all the latest equipment lined up is very cool, but of course you shouldn't touch it without permission.
However, in this course, you will be able 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 advances we make in the technology of sound, lighting, and stage machinery, I don't think the core of the professional work that supports live performances will change much. I planned this event so that people would know what the technicians think and what they value. The specific content is still being planned, 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," says Oizumi.

"The possibilities for the stage are endless. Of course there are time and budget constraints, but if you tell us what you want to do, we'll do our best to accommodate your request. 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 now ended.
Art 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
[Eligibility] 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] ① 1,000 yen (tax and insurance included) / ② Free