Merrily We Roll Along
DSM - Astrid Rothmeier
Stage Manager - Amy Donaldson
Assistant Stage Manager - Fiona Dalgleish
Assistant Stage Manager - Chris Brown
Lighting Designer - Davy Cunningham
Lighting Operator - Laura Mason
Production Electrician - Paul Froy
Sound 1 - Hannah Allan
Sound 2 - Ryan Davy Babette Wickham-Riddick
Technical Stage Manager - Rory Boyd
Deputy Technical Stage Manager - Kieran Kenning
PROP MAKES
Silver Balloons
The stage management team volunteered to make the silver foil balloons that were hung from the catwalks in the model box. To do this we had to order 'Silver Mylar material' from Amazon that cost approx £40. We cut the required size needed and heat sealed the parameter with a household iron, leaving a small 5mm gap to allow air to flow through when inflating them. (The smaller the gap, the less air will escape when inflating.) Once the balloons are inflated hold the gap closed and quickly heat seal with the iron to create a completely sealed balloon with no air gaps. If you wish to have any text on the balloons it is advised to paint his first before inflating.
Technical Stage Management
There were many interesting technical challenges presented in the design for Merrily. The technical crew consisted of a team of 8 1st years, a TSM, and his depute. As we were over crewed, the 1st years operated split shifts. This meant they were busier during the performances, and also had time off.
Sputnik
One of the main set elements on Merrily was a custom built (by Props) Sputnik Lighting Piece. This was rigged on Triple E track, and tracked diagonally across the venue above the audience. The piece itself was rigged on a scenic carrier, attached using 1.5mm Dyneema line. Following behind the piece, was a large loom. This was zip tied to single carriers, which kept it not drooping. These carriers were tied together using a guide line, which kept them spaced out and folded like a concertina when not used.
It used a pull/pull system from each end, meaning no return lines or pulleys were used. The pull lines were fed through the carriers, again which kept them from drooping.
Swag
Another element of the set was a black drape USC. This had a parting in the middle, which was made into a swag for the reveal of some cast members. A diagram of how the swag was made is below. Keychain hooks were sewn into the black, with the tope tied onto them. Smaller keychains were sewn on the way up the black, with the rope fed threw them. This gave the swag a nicer shape. Sandbags were added to the bottom of the rope to give a faster drop when the swag was released.