As SF Ballet’s Technical Director, I’ve been overseeing the logistics and coordination for Onegin for over a year now! The ballet is a rental production from the National Ballet of Canada, which means we’ve been working together to coordinate the contracts and shipment for everything involving the production. All of these details – from the sets to the costume fittings and shipments – need to happen in time for setup so we can have it ready for opening.
It’s also my job to figure out how to properly transfer the show from National Ballet of Canada’s theater (The Four Seasons Center) and ensure the production fits well into the War Memorial Opera House. I have to make decisions as to where the scenery will land on stage, and make sure we stay true to the production by maintaining the same relationship that it had on stage in Canada, as well.
The most challenging part about this for us is that our stage is much bigger than what the ballet was originally set on; we’ve had to figure out how to land the show in our space. NBC has 4 wings in which dancers enter and exit through; we have 5 wings. The dancers will definitely have more room here!
Currently I’m putting together the production schedule – working closely with the artistic team to confirm the amount of time on stage required for rehearsals with tech. My team and I also need a specific allotment of time with crews to set up scenes and lighting and then to “tech the show” (walk through the show from beginning to end.) This also involves practicing scenic moves, checking the lighting cues, etc. prior to dancers being on stage.
What’s tricky about this timing is that Onegin happens after our Gala; therefore we have to setup all of Onegin, make sure it’s ready, changeover into Gala, and then we have only 24 hours after Gala to get back into Onegin with the dancers on stage!
Photo © Erik Tomasson
La Dolce Vita!
San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary's 2012 Gala Chair
January 10, 2012
Opening Night Gala is NEXT WEEK! Hard to believe that we are almost there! As Gala Chair, I am humbled, impressed, and overwhelmed by the generosity of my fellow San Franciscans–and SF Ballet lovers from around the Bay and the world–THANK YOU!! Last month we kicked-off the run-up to Gala with the super-fun Launch Party at Brooks Brothers. And last week we also honored our Patrons with a gorgeous cocktail reception at the spectacular home of Christina Giguere and David Kvarats.
McCall’s graciously catered the festive and fun evening and offered tasty treats that played off of our “Bella Notte” theme. The rooms were filled with joyful and excited SF Ballet supporters chatting about the upcoming season and enjoying the food, ambiance, and delicious William Hill Estate Wines and La Marca Prosecco!
On the scene at both the Launch and Patron parties was the ever-charming and fabulous SF Ballet Soloist Garen Scribner. Click here to hear more from Garen about what Gala means to the artists of the Company!
After the Gala performance we look forward to the Post Performance Party, La Dolce Vita! We like to think that it’s the best party in San Francisco. This event is unique among our wonderful cultural institutions because the Company dancers join the party and let loose with all of us after the performance. Rubbing elbows with our spectacular dancers on the dance floor is, for many people, a favorite aspect of this entire evening!
This year, we have something even more special planned…Corps de Ballet Dancer Sebastian Vinet (“DJ Conchita”) will be featured as a guest DJ. We are all excited to check him out! The Post Performance Party is a great way to experience the glamour and excitement of the evening–come join us!