Here are some snapshots of what goes on after the final curtain comes down. And if I use any terms here that you aren't sure about (flats? cyc?), then have a look at the Sheffield University Theatre Company Glossary. If a word is linked, it's to the section of the glossary that contains the word (the glossary is divided by letter).
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These are the doors to the Playhouse Theatre workshop. In there is where most of the
scenery is made and constructed. Behind the photographer is the scene dock, which
is an extension behind the scenes at the back of the stage,
off from the stage right wing.
During the set strike, the scenery is taken back the way it came - out of the
theatr into the workshop. That which can be saved, such as large flats,
is - the rest goes into a skip. The
pros (proscenium) arch
edging, which you see
lying on the floor there, we thought we might save - but in the end was
skipped. It's a bit sad when you consider all the work that
goes into these sets that so much of it just ends up as land fill.
However, we do have various bits of set that we were able to save -
see our equipment for hire page if you
want to use anything we might have.
Walking away from the camera is Peter, the 2002 Board-Walkers chairman. Set strike is a great opportunity for people not otherwise involved in a production to come down, lend a hand and vent some energy trashing the set - join us and find out just how satisfying it can be! |
| More bulky, three dimensional items that we want to save
aren't generally kept in the workshop but are stored in
a kinda cellar under the auditorium. The Plahyhouse used to
be the Cheltenham Baths and under the audience remains a large
area where we store chairs, tables and boxes.
The trapdoor you see in the photo is just in front of the first row of the audience, in the musical pit. When there is no live music, the trap door and the rest of the pit floor is covered by wooden boxes to make a fake floor at the same height as the rest of the theatre floor. |
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The set is nearly clear - hear we have the Reynolds, father and son,
sweeping the last dust of Puss in Boots from the theatre
(well, son sweeping and father lecturing, which sounds
par for the course in most families). Behind is the
clear white
cyc (cyclorama)
onto which was projected
the sky.
I always feel a bit tearful when I see the stage empty at the end of a show - all the more so when when it's been a long run like the Panto. Just one thing left to do... |
| ... and that's hang up your hat. | 
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