Winter Workshop Series: Theatre Tech with Jack Merluzzi - Saturday, February 24th, 14:00-17:00

We're happy to announce the third and final installment in our winter workshop series!

Theater Tech for the Non-Techie: Everything directors, actors, and "artistes" want to know about what’s happening backstage but never have time to ask, with Tokyo's resident tech wiz, Jack Merluzzi!

What happens to a show if the lighting or sound operator is called away? They may say their job is just to “push the button where it’s marked in the script." But what does that button really do? This workshop will not teach you all there is to know about behind the scenes tech, but it will give you the terminology you need to start Googling for an understanding of the basic hows and whys.

Actors: Add value to your repertoire by expanding your backstage knowledge!

Directors: Ease the strain on your production team by anticipating their questions and hurdles!

Production Team: Increase your awesomeness and be ready for any challenge!

No technical background required — just bring your curiosity, creativity, and passion for the stage. Aspiring directors, producers, and stage managers are especially encouraged to enroll!

When: Saturday, February 24th, 2024 (2-5PM)

Where: Our Space, Hatagaya

Cost: ¥3000

Maximum participants: 14

Topics include:

Sound. What do all those buttons do?

Lights. Just turn them all on, right?

Projections, fire, water, rigging, calling a show…

…and the basics of programming the most important (free!) software designed for theater!

Materials needed:

Something to take notes and your questions about the technical side of theater! Although not required, feel free to bring a device for Googling or finding software during class. (Note: While PCs work fine for Googling and can be used backstage, theater software is all about Apple products.) Participants will also receive a short questionnaire in advance of the workshop.

About the instructor:

As a high school freshman, Jack asked about helping backstage for plays and events. Told that there was no stage crew, he became de facto leader and grew the team to 30 students by senior year. Always wanting to know how things worked backstage, and by way of asking too many questions, he landed jobs at radio and TV stations in the Allentown, PA and Washington, DC markets, where he expanded his technical vocabulary and expertise. Moving to Tokyo in 1998, Jack started volunteering with several theater and performing groups, finding Tokyo International Players in May 2002. He’s been on stage (including as Fagin in TIP’s OLIVER! In 2009), but prefers backstage, where his roles have included stage manager, as well as designer and operator for both sound and lighting. While his current goal is to make stage musicals sound better every time, his proudest technical accomplishments are the firebox in PIPPIN for TIP and helping TIP Youth’s Peter Pan fly. His preferred title is Technical Advisor.

Spaces are limited! Check out our website for more information and to reserve today!