Backstage at the Hottest Tickets in Town

The seats are filled, the lights go down and the production is grand . . . but what occurs backstage before, during and after each performance is as fascinating as the shows themselves.  Last January, in a rare glimpse behind the scenes, SpaceCoast Living received special access as the touring company of “South Pacific” moved into Brevard for eight performances at the King Center for the Performing Arts.

Seven tractor trailers filled with scenery, wardrobe, lighting and sound equipment pull up to the loading docks where they are met by an area crew of approximately eighty Local 631 IATSC (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) union carpenters, riggers, loaders, flymen, electricians and others.  Overseen by tech supervisor and union steward Rance Caldwell, the local team works in concert with the show’s 14-member road crew to transform the King Center stage to a tropical island circa World War II.

As load-in and set-up continues the rest of the 64-member road ensemble of managers, actors and musicians arrives to go over details, rehearse, get organized and make final preparations before the evening’s performance.  And then, raise the curtain . . . it’s show time!