Photo Credit: Baron Spafford

What could be better than seeing a world-class performance at The Granada? How about the chance to go behind the scenes to see how the magic happens?

The Granada has hosted the annual Love Your Theater event for the past seven years to thank its donors, sponsors, and board members for their support. The organizers anticipate over 100 patrons and their families will attend this year’s event.

“This is a unique backstage experience where people get to see all aspects of The Granada, meet our staff, and learn how a production happens,” said Tracy Dunn, Special Events Manager.The evening starts when guests enter through the stage door, and staff ushers them onstage to enjoy an immersive theater tour.

 

Take Center Stage

Photo Credit: Baron Spafford

Immediately, they’ll learn how it feels to be the star of the show when the spotlight shines on them.

“People are usually surprised when they realize that the actors on stage can’t see the audience because of the lighting,” said Dunn.

After their star moment, people can meet with Carlin Das, Head Electrician, to learn more about how lighting works during a performance and to have the chance to play with different lighting schemes.

Alex Das, Head Carpenter, is on hand to explain how the theater’s rigging and fly systems work. Guests will have a chance to try their hand using a scale model.

“This year, we’re also going to demonstrate our fog system for the first time,” said Dunn.

 

Going Below the Stage

During every performance at The Granada, there’s a whole other show happening behind the scenes as the actors prepare to take the stage.

In the warm-up room, where performers typically exercise their voices or practice before taking the stage, guests will enjoy Debbie Denke’s melodic tunes on the piano while nibbling on various appetizers.

The wardrobe mistress of The Granada will present a costuming activity in the open dressing rooms.

Photo Credit: Baron Spafford

Guests can also check out the green room where performers usually rest and relax before the show, and explore The Granada Walk of Fame, which features photos of the famous performers who have graced The Granada stage since 1924.

Photo Credit: Baron Spafford

In the musicians’ staging area, guests will enjoy a dessert and hot chocolate bar before continuing the tour above the stage.

Birds-eye View

Photo Credit: Baron Spafford

Upstairs, guests can walk the catwalks that give stage crews access to set lighting and microphones for each show. Staff will demonstrate the fly system used to lift everything from the curtain and scenery to actors needing to fly above the stage.

“Each year, the Love Your Theater event is so well-received,” said Dunn. “People just love it. They tell us that one of their favorite things is interacting with the staff and seeing how each person contributes to a show. This year, we are focusing on making the evening even more interactive.”