Audiences have a unique opportunity to experience the behind the scenes magic of the department of Theatre, Dance, and Arts Administration’s next production, “The Secret Garden,” with guided backstage tours looking into the process of bringing a show to life. The tours, organized and guided by Southern Utah University students, began on Jan. 29, and will continue until Jan. 31, with tour times at 2 and 4 p.m. both of the final days.
The tours were conceptualized by theatre education major Charlie Adamson, who also worked to coordinate all aspects of them. She was tasked to come up with educational outreach opportunities for the show by professor Wendy Sanders.
“I came up with so many ideas, but one that really stuck was the backstage tours,” said Adamson. “I felt very confident that I could pull it off, just because of my connections with the department, and already being a part of the show’s process as the wardrobe supervisor.”
To execute the event, Adamson coordinated with each of the TDAA shop managers, as well as department chair Brian Swanson. She also had to reach out to risk management to ensure the tours would be conducted safely.
The tour takes attendees through the costume and wig shops in the basement of the Auditorium building, as well as the scene shop on the main floor, where student employees work on creating the important pieces for the show. After touring the Auditorium, guides take attendees to the Randall L. Jones Theatre, where performances will take place. All employees were informed that the tours were taking place, and Adamson ensured that the tour guides instructed attendees to not interfere with their work.
“That was a really big, heavy detail that I tried to emphasize, just because a lot of work goes into building these shows, so it’s important to make sure that the crew is able to work when they need to work,” said Adamson.
Adamson wanted to create these tours to reach out to the community that forms the audiences of the shows TDAA puts on, allowing them to connect with the lesser seen parts of what brings a production to life.
“I thought that this was such a great opportunity for the community to come in and learn what it really takes to put on a production,” said Adamson. “There’s so many things happening behind the scenes that no one even thinks about.”
Those interested in taking a tour can sign up here, and reach out to thundertheatre@suu.edu with any questions.
Author: Tessa Cheshire
Photographer: Tessa Cheshire
Editor: Anna Mower
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