Production Blog September 13, 2011
Saturday morning the trucks unload at the Jube and in goes the scenery for Cav/Pag! It’s always an adventure to get the set together. It was so long ago that the trailers were loaded , so once everything is pulled out, it is like a giant puzzle to familiarize oneself with all the pieces, sort things out and get everyone working to put it all together. I am always amazed at the co-ordinated teamwork with our TD (Clayton) and the IATSE crew (25+ members) – while lights are being swapped out or changed onstage, the trailers are being unloaded around them and side-stage, bits and pieces of the set are being constructed, the wardrobe crates are being moved into place, the costume maintenance shop is being created – all with a sense of purpose and genuine calmness. Incredible that it all happens in such a short time. With this set – we will have most of the scenery together the first day and a half (within 16 hours) – ready to be lit and be inhabited by the singers for Monday night rehearsal onstage.
It could be chaos at any moment – but because I am in charge of getting donuts for coffee breaks – we avoid any calamities. It’s all good!
Tim Yakimec
Director of Production
Tim has been associated with Edmonton Opera for over 15 years first as resident stage manager and then moving fulltime into the production department. He has been Director of Production since 2008. While stage managing for the opera, Tim also was involved with the local theatre scene, significantly producing and designing for Leave it to Jane Theatre for over 20 years. Tim looks forward to the growth and development of EOA as a major operatic force on the Canadian scene.