The ABRA-KID-ABRA show yesterday was amazing. The turn out was a bit lower than expected but still better than an empty theater.
As people sit in their seats, ever wonder what could possibly be going on backstage? Well today's blog is going to give you a sneak peak of everything that went on for the ABRA KID ABRA show.
10 am : Magicians, stage hands, producers arrive.
10:15 : Photocopies of the order of performances is taped to the side of the stage. This way , we know who to get ready and have them know when they are on. All magicians bring their gear out and mark the stage with colored tape to mark where they want to stand and where they want their stands, illusions, props etc.
10: 30: Sound and light technician gets the CDs of everyone's music. Some lights need adjustment. Sound and Lights checked during rehearsals.
11am : Rehearsal...everyone performs their acts. Once they finish, all their props are placed in order of appearance on the STAGE LEFT side walls. Performers gone to change and hang out. Producers and Assistants finalize all details.
12:45 : Curtain closed... stage is cleared. First performer is set up. Some of us had to move our cars to the other side of the building. Door locked. 10 Magicians, one producer ( me ) locked out of building.
1:00 pm: Doors open for the public. Close-up magicians placed in hallways to entertain.
1:30 pm: People start to their seats. Mad scrabble behind the curtains and microphones are checked.
2:00 pm.. show to start but delayed 10 minutes. One set of main doors were still locked at the other entrance. Mad run to have these people go to the other side.
2:15 pm : Show time. A couple of mis cues ... it happens!
4:10 pm Show ends.. we can all breathe. Most of the magicians run across the street to DAIRY QUEEN to get a quick bite to eat. As I run around backstage and a quick hello to some guests, I see people with a burger... hmm! Do I have time? I decide I do...mad run across the street. Technical glitches sorted out. Some acts had small un-noticeable glitches. Get that sorted out ! And hope it all works out for the second show!
5:15 Doors open for the 6pm show
6:05 SHOW TIME. Seeing as this is the last show of the day, each performer tears down and packs their own gear once their sets are done. We need to be out of the theater by a certain time.
8:00 pm. Show is done.. all magicians and producers, stage hands, take a curtain call..
Of course there is a lot more done.. during each performance, if the curtain is closed , I am busy setting up the next opened curtain act. Once that was done, I wait on the sidelines and wait for the act to finish. Cue the curtain to open. Move stools, stands, props, mikes.
8:45 pm.. stage is cleared, one final check to make sure nothing is left behind. Backstage area all cleared.
9:00 pm : We all meet up at Boston Pizza for a celebration and in dire need of drinks and food.
Midnight: Home ! Take off my shoes...ahhhhh ! That feels good! I make a drink and check emails.
Now the question I have is ? Would I do this professionally? ABSOLUTELY ! I fell in love with the theater and all the technical aspects of putting on a show. I have never been an assistant producer for a show and being in a theater all day is amazing. The audience has the easy part.They just sit and enjoy the show. What goes on backstage and behind the scenes is just chaotic. It's an organized chaos though.
A big thank you to all those who came out to support the MAKE-A-WISH foundation and KIDS WITH CANCER. It was a pleasure to present this show to you. I hope we can do this again next year.
Just doing some blog-hopping before getting my supper on the go. Hope you've been having a nice weekend. 
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