Imperial Theatre Backstage Tour 2021

Summary

Join Angela Campbell, Executive Director of Imperial Theater, as she takes you on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the theater. Explore the renovated lobbies, historic chandelier, the elegant Golding’s Lounge, and the impressive stage. Discover the intricate workings of the theater's lighting, rigging, and sound systems, with insights from the talented crew. Learn about the theater’s rich history, from its 1913 origins to modern-day performances, while uncovering the secrets of the stage, the balcony’s grand views, and the hidden spaces above. This tour offers a fascinating look at the people and systems that bring live theater to life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Imperial Theater has undergone a major renovation since 2019, updating its lobbies and various spaces.
• 😀 The box office is now located directly behind the entrance, with a new bar and concessions area on the left and a donor wall on the right.
• 😀 The coat check lobby has been renovated with comfy couches and a large screen TV that connects directly to the stage, so visitors can still watch performances while in the lobby.
• 😀 The upper lobby features a blend of the theater's classic elements, like the original chandelier, with new modern touches, and is now known as Golding's Lounge, named after the theater's original general manager.
• 😀 The balcony offers an incredible view of the theater, with an original 1913 chandelier and extensive plaster work that has been preserved in the restoration.
• 😀 The Imperial Theater has one of the largest stages east of Montreal, allowing for substantial equipment storage, and its stage setup is designed to be highly functional and flexible.
• 😀 The lighting system includes 'super troopers,' spotlights that are tested and operated by the lighting director from a control room above the audience.
• 😀 The chandelier is carefully maintained and cleaned by a special team, with the head carpenter fitting through a small hole in the ceiling to access it for maintenance.
• 😀 The grid system above the stage allows for rigging and the movement of sets, lights, and curtains, with precise weight calculations to ensure everything operates smoothly.
• 😀 The backstage area, including the green room and dressing rooms, is housed in the basement, and technicians ensure that everything is in place for the artists and shows.
• 😀 The stage features a 'ghost light' that remains on when the theater is not in use, and the theater is said to be haunted by its resident ghost, Walter Golding, who is often seen in the lobby or the executive director's office.

Q & A

What are some of the major changes made to the lobby during the renovation?

The lobby renovation included relocating the box office to directly behind the entrance, introducing a bar and concessions area where the box office used to be, and adding a donor wall to recognize contributors since 1982. The lobby is now also named after the Curry family in honor of their generous contribution.

What special features can visitors enjoy in the renovated coat check area?

The renovated coat check area now includes comfy couches and a large screen TV connected to the stage. This allows visitors to stay in tune with the performance even if they need to step out for a break.

What historic elements were preserved during the renovation of the theater?

The theater's chandelier, which dates back to 1913, was preserved and incorporated into the new design. Additionally, the proscenium arch and much of the theater's original plasterwork were also restored.

Why is the chandelier so significant to the Imperial Theater?

The chandelier is a key historical element of the theater, designed in Montreal with over 10,000 pieces of Czechoslovakian crystal. Weighing 475 pounds, it is a stunning visual centerpiece and an important part of the theater's identity.

What makes the Grand Circle seats particularly special?

The Grand Circle seats are highly sought after, with Prince Charles himself choosing to sit there during his visit. These seats offer a great view of the stage and are considered one of the best spots in the theater.

How does the Imperial Theater manage its large stage for performances?

The theater boasts one of the largest stages east of Montreal, allowing for the storage of tons of equipment. Many of these elements remain on stage, often hidden from the audience's view, to support the magic of theater.

Can you describe the lighting system and its role in productions?

The lighting system includes super troopers (spotlights) and specialized lights for focused effects during performances. The lighting director, Liam Matheson, typically runs the lighting from the console, though sometimes the team may need to adjust the focus of the lights during a show.

What unique aspect of the theater's attic was highlighted during the tour?

The attic houses the maintenance equipment for the chandelier. It includes a special hole in the floor that allows technicians to safely lower the chandelier for bulb replacement and cleaning, using a motorized system.

What is the role of the grid and how does it function during shows?

The grid, positioned 65 feet above the stage, supports a counterbalance system that allows set pieces, curtains, and lights to be raised or lowered during shows. It’s a key component of the theater’s rigging system that helps bring scenes to life.

How does the crew ensure the safety and functionality of the rigging system?

Technicians regularly inspect and maintain the rigging system to ensure it’s safe and functional. They use weight measurements for set pieces and lights to balance the system, and have various equipment like 'bricks' to adjust the weight accordingly.