The SPOTS backstage department

Scenery, props and special effects (yes - there are some!) all come under the umbrella of our backstage department.

This is the initial idea for the left hand side of the Hardup Hall kitchen, as seen on the the stage plan above.

The scenery is painted and props are created (eight individual Cyril the Squirrels for Cinderella!) in the weeks prior to the show. Alison Howard was responsible for props in Cinderella, ensuring that everyone knew what they wanted and when.

For two weeks before the show we fit out the hall with anything that can be done whilst still leaving the hall fit for its many other users. The final build happens from early on the morning of the first show when we install stage extensions, wings, scaffold and loads more. It's a very tight timescale but we manage to do it.

We also have a stage manager who has the overall view of what's happening and is the liaison between all sections of the backstage team. Using a comms link to the sound and lighting desks at the back of the hall the stage manager keeps in permanent contact with everyone involved.

The audience only really see the actors, but without the scenery shifting, light, sound, special effects and props people the show couldn't go on.