Last night was Vermont Stage's big 10th Anniversary in FlynnSpace Gala performance on the Flynn Main Stage. This huge, and at times overwhelming, event has represented almost the entirety of my work load since we returned from Scotland. While perhaps it hasn't been keeping me up nights, it certainly has increased my hours at the office in the last month. So yesterday finally arrived and we were all able to tuck into the work of putting together a show for 700+ people in about a 10 hour time span.
My day started at 10 am, when I had to meet one of our Board Members at the rental car company to pick up a 12 passenger van for our out of town actors. Oh yes, on Saturday morning (the day of the show) we were flying 5 actors up from NYC, and the kicker is that tonight's show essentially depended on their on time arrival. So after sending our Board Member off to pick up the actors I headed to the theatre. Because this show is a one night only performance, we have opted to have it on the Flynn Main Stage, as we can't fit 700 folks down in FlynnSpace, or regular venue. Once I secured some parking, I checked in with Mark, Jen (our stage manager) and our ASM for the day, Lexi. Lexi and I got the dressing rooms sorted and picked up lunch for everyone.
Fortunately the actors arrived on time, made their way to the theatre, we all had a yummy bite and were ready to go by noon! The morning rehearsal consisted of building some light cues, figuring out mics and sound, incorporating slides (and other technical elements) and generally getting this thing up on its legs. The afternoon was not without its bumps, but by 2pm we were well on our way, and Ray even had a chance to stop by and take some photos of the rehearsal of Act II.
The cast of OPUS rehearses their scene
Our Stage Manager, Jen, hard at work
Andrew, one of our NYC actors and loooong time VSC supporter, Kathy and Mark rehearse the narration
Our lighting designer, John, works out his cues (in the dark)
By 5 o'clock we were required to finish up rehearsal, as our union crew had to break. Mark took a few moments to be interviewed by our local FOX station about the evenings events. He looks pretty relaxed for the fact that a show for 700 of our closest supporters starts in 2.5 hours and he only had 5 hours of rehearsal, right?
After finishing up a few things, Jen, Ray and I had a chance to get out of the theatre (!) and have a yummy dinner at Red Onion.
I was back at the theatre by 6:30 pm, and our audience starting arriving at 7 pm! During Act I my job was to get the coffee and desserts set up in the lobby, so it would be ready for folks during intermission. Ray was my savior and ran out to buy 600 napkins for me - because something was bound to get forgotten! Act I went well and was well received. I had fewer duties during Act II, so I actually had a chance to sit and watch a few minutes of it, here and there.
At the end of the evening, Mark thanked all the various businesses, individuals and Board Members who have supported VSC over the years. He also put in a hearty thanks to all of the actors, directors, designers, musicians and technicians who have worked on all of the shows in the past 10 years. We had invited them all to the show, and on Mark's signal, I sent them all out of the balcony and streaming down the aisles and up on stage. It was an impressive showing, and was met by a standing ovation from our audience.
All in all it was a great evening, and our audience was wonderful and thrilled with the experience! I'm very glad that it is finished and that it was a success! I hope Mark doesn't have plans to add this sort of thing every year!
