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Thursday, September 12, 2024
Go Behind the Trapeze Work in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
www.broadwayworld.com: See cast member Sam Renaud control the rigs for the trapezes while Isabelle McCalla sings "Easy." While singing along, Renaud manages the ropes that support the intricate fly system used in the production.
Having seen Water For Elephants this summer I honestly didn't know that there was this much action happening off stage during this specific scene and in moments like this. It seems like such precise work, but will change every time it's done depending on how the actor on stage is moving. With any of the acrobatics in the show I would be interested to know what those moments looked like in the rehearsal room and what it was like to move to the stage and to tech a moment like this. How they worked through the protocols and language used between the actor on stage, actor operating the rope and the crew member off stage. I would also love to hear what, if any, the communication between the crew member and stage manager while this moment is happening. If they're taking any cues off verbal G Os, if a cue light is involved and what these moments look like when a stand-in is involved in any of the roles. It seem super challenging at first, but once you get into the rhythm it would be incredibly fulfilling to be a part of.
Everything I read or see about Water for Elephants looks amazing and I wish I had seen it this past summer when I was in New York. I saw the number they did at the Tony’s and immediately wished that I had more time in New York to see the show. I also love the CMU connection with Water for Elephants and it makes me excited to see a show that I am (very, VERY distantly) connected to having so much success. I also worked with the sound designer from Water for Elephants which also makes me excited when I see anything about the show online. The trapeze is beautiful in the show and I would love to see more of it in person. I was at the Tony’s dress rehearsal and in the Water for Elephants performance there was a moment where an actor slides down a tall pole head-first and stops right before the ground, and the people around me all gasped. I love the vibes of the show and everything I have seen looks incredible!
I saw Water For Elephants on Broadway and after that number “Easy”, I’ve always wanted to know what goes on backstage because they made it seem so effortless but I knew it could not have been that easy. The first time I saw it, honestly it was just tears and it made me so emotional because I had no clue that combining trapeze work and puppetry could be so graceful. Everything that happened in Water for Elephants felt new and exciting even though the plot was kind of a classic romance plot, the way that it presented itself with all of the moving parts was just awe-inspiring. Also, I’m curious to see if it will get picked up for a tour and if so, how in the world the cast and crew will manage to keep that up with a different location every time because it has so many moving parts. The amount of trust that goes into this musical is absolutely critical and it was demonstrated perfectly by this act.
I have yet to have the opportunity to see Water for Elephants in person myself yet however every clip and picture I see just makes it seem like an absolutely mesmerizing production. I have some minor experience with flying special effects in theatre and goodness does it take some serious strength to do it. The kind of muscle build you have to have for it is intense, and for these actors and technicians they have to do it daily, and sometimes even multiple times a day seems crazy to me. It's fascinating how something so graceful and beautiful onstage can take so much rough and tough work backstage. On top of how much weight the actor in the video has to be pulling, he has the stamina to sing backing vocals on top of it. I absolutely will be getting a ticket to this show once it goes on tour.
I haven't been able to see water for the elephants or any show that utilizes trapeze work but I've always been curious about how theatres use flying special effects in their shows, i don't have experience with complex fly systems so i would be interested in learning just exactly how they work and how people backstage utilize them for their productions(it feels like it would be an arm workout and takes a lot of muscles), I'm also curious about the safety procedures for trapeze, especially in a place as small as a theatre(what measures are put in place, are there any safety mechanisms). I feel my interest has increased after seeing this video, i never realized how beautiful trapeze can make a scene feel( i can see why its won so many awards, it really did deserve the tony nominations). After seeing this video I'm very interested in seeing it in person the next time in new York and seeing the trapeze work for myself
This video is so cool and I love that for this show, so many people who aren’t involved in the show are being given the opportunity to see the behind the scenes. I have seen almost every TikTok posted by the Water for Elephants page starting back before they opened when they started making videos from tech. Building up the anticipation for the show by sharing small clips of the pieces of the production that audience members don’t normally see, like the tech process, was an amazing way for this show to market in a new way. They have allowed people to see behind doors that are normally closed to the public and it definitely seems to be working. I’m glad that these glimpses behind the scenes haven’t stopped now that they’re open and running because this video is so cool to watch. I hope we get more like this as this is one of my favorite shows and I love every video they post.
Trapeze work is very impressive onstage, and off. Even with the advantages of having two people pull on the rope and the assistance of the mechanics of the pulleys, it is quite a feat. To also do it with the smooth motion to not jostle the artist and have the reliability of several moves a show without fail is a great skill. The audience seeing “effortless” flight of the artists adds grace and tranquility to the character on stage. The trust that also must go between the onstage and offstage to achieve at least the appearance of that grace and tranquility is immense and I’m sure it is earned after hours and hours of rehearsals and performances. I am also curious of the application of automation into a show like this. I wonder if the artist on stage would trust a machine. Also would the practicality of trying to integrate a machine to perform the minute adjustments for each different dance offset the reliability and speed automation could offer.
I was able to see Water for Elephants in previews the week it was opening. They have a really great social media team, I was influenced to see it because my TD kept sending me tiktoks of backstage work and design days in their theatre. I think it's really cool to be able to see the behind the scenes of a show opening on Broadway. One of the videos I saw was capturing what the house looked like during tech week and they must've had atleast 20 separate tech tables set up. It was really cool to see the collaboration, especially to get a glimpse into the lighting design process and hear from those designers whom you usually don't get the chance to hear from. After seeing all of the promotion, when I finally got to see the show, it was incredible to watch. They truly brought the circus to life in so many ways. There was no fear on that stage, despite all of the acrobatics and trapeze work that was being performed.
This is beyond cool! Water for Elephants has been a show I’ve been keeping an eye on for awhile, and one which I would love to see. The technical elements in the show are gorgeous, and the unique challenges the show presents like this trapeze work, are really interesting. I hadn’t seen this video before, and the technical precision of the rigging and mechanics of the trapeze flying system are fascinating. I’d be incredibly interested in seeing the specifics of how this flying system works and how it was developed for the theater. I’m sure circus venues and organizations like Cirque have similar systems and it’s really interesting to see it applied in a theatrical setting. I’m sure it’s not the only flying system and/or technically intricate circus-specific system in the show either. I really do hope I get to make it out to the show before it closes, it seems like such an interesting technical feat.
I’m going to see Water for Elephants soon, but I have heard the most amazing things about that show. Especially PigPen, Turn Tartan!! In addition, Kyle Selig is in it. So cool that all these Carnegie Mellon School of Drama people are on Broadway. Literally after being shown ‘the ropes’ I am in shock. I have seen the trapeze stunt before, but I genuinely had no idea of how it was done. It is super cool, and it genuinely takes a village to run a Broadway show. Also, I know Grant Gustin from The Flash, so when he first joined the show, I found that super interesting. I did not know he could sing. I mean I have not seen Water for Elephants yet but I really hope to see it soon. Going back to the idea that PigPen Theatre Co-wrote the score for this, I genuinely am so proud of the school I go to, and the creative space we are given to create real, and reflective art.
My initial reaction was concern and surprise from what I was seeing from the article and the attached video as I would have thought that there would be automated methods to support flying trapeze artists in this show, instead of just manual fly operation. But, this concern has moreso turned into curiosity as to how this fly system was created and how it has been determined to be safe for both an actor to be in the air as such as well as allow another actor to help operate the fly system mid show. While this video serves a helpful purpose of expanding the audience of backstage work, I think there is a greater educational opportunity for someone to actually then explain the technical details behind the move involved in the article. Lastly, seeing an actor help a backstage stagehand do this move was intriguing to me as I generally am unaware of equity rules and am now curious as to what the rules and regulations are in cases like these, and that potentially the actor themself is a trapeze artist and as such was allowed to be involved in this move.
I've actually never seen Water for Elephants; however, it's a show that seems really exciting to me. I was looking at some production photos, and the trapeze work in this show adds an incredible exhilarating element to the production. In the image, you can see how the cast members control the trapeze and use it to give you those vocal and physical elements. I would assume rigging this system isn't easy, and they maintain such ease while working and also singing at the same time. The combination of acrobatics and performance gives this show a new look, really making one analyze the storytelling aspect of it all and really analyze the show as a whole. Water for Elephants, which is directed by Jessica Stone, has this circus feel, which is something that I noticed when watching the Tonys this year when they did their preview, and it's so cool how they can add these fully immersive experiences, which include things like being rigged from the rail and singing at the same time, as well as just breathtaking sights, which is why I know I have to see this show when I go back for fall break.
I love to watch rigging because from an audience perspective in today's world you would think it's all controlled by computers and technology. So seeing humans operate and control these mind-contorting flying people for the stage shows the reality behind these magical acts. It shows that human work and effort can sometimes be more safe and realistic than the world of technology. The cost that electrical rigging systems require to both buy and maintain is large and extensive allowing for older human operated systems to continue thriving in the theater world. I also believe that having a human operate a rigging system creates a varying effect allowing the performance to feel more realistic. It's the same concept that people don't like realistic looking robots because when everything is perfect people feel put off by it. That's why I personally love live theater because the chance of anything happening during a production is real and the precautions and ability to think on your feet is a needed ability in the theatrical field.
I have not yet had the ability to seee Water for Elephants, but no matter who I mention it to, the people I talk to always have something good to say about the production. The more that I hear about it, the more that I want to see it for myself. This includes now reading this article and seeing some of the backstage work that they are doing. As a theatre practitioner, I have started to really appreciate the backstage work that stagehands and other actors are doing because they make the magic happen on stage for the audience just as much as the actors who are directly in the spotlight. Additionally, shows like Water for Elephants are super interesting because things that you might not even think of have a bunch of people working on it so that the audience thinks it’s something super effortless for the actors or the run crew. Finally, knowing that Water for Elephants as a production has ties back to CMU demonstrates to me that I am where I should be to make it far in the world of entertainment.
15 comments:
Having seen Water For Elephants this summer I honestly didn't know that there was this much action happening off stage during this specific scene and in moments like this. It seems like such precise work, but will change every time it's done depending on how the actor on stage is moving. With any of the acrobatics in the show I would be interested to know what those moments looked like in the rehearsal room and what it was like to move to the stage and to tech a moment like this. How they worked through the protocols and language used between the actor on stage, actor operating the rope and the crew member off stage. I would also love to hear what, if any, the communication between the crew member and stage manager while this moment is happening. If they're taking any cues off verbal G Os, if a cue light is involved and what these moments look like when a stand-in is involved in any of the roles. It seem super challenging at first, but once you get into the rhythm it would be incredibly fulfilling to be a part of.
Everything I read or see about Water for Elephants looks amazing and I wish I had seen it this past summer when I was in New York. I saw the number they did at the Tony’s and immediately wished that I had more time in New York to see the show. I also love the CMU connection with Water for Elephants and it makes me excited to see a show that I am (very, VERY distantly) connected to having so much success. I also worked with the sound designer from Water for Elephants which also makes me excited when I see anything about the show online. The trapeze is beautiful in the show and I would love to see more of it in person. I was at the Tony’s dress rehearsal and in the Water for Elephants performance there was a moment where an actor slides down a tall pole head-first and stops right before the ground, and the people around me all gasped. I love the vibes of the show and everything I have seen looks incredible!
I saw Water For Elephants on Broadway and after that number “Easy”, I’ve always wanted to know what goes on backstage because they made it seem so effortless but I knew it could not have been that easy. The first time I saw it, honestly it was just tears and it made me so emotional because I had no clue that combining trapeze work and puppetry could be so graceful. Everything that happened in Water for Elephants felt new and exciting even though the plot was kind of a classic romance plot, the way that it presented itself with all of the moving parts was just awe-inspiring. Also, I’m curious to see if it will get picked up for a tour and if so, how in the world the cast and crew will manage to keep that up with a different location every time because it has so many moving parts. The amount of trust that goes into this musical is absolutely critical and it was demonstrated perfectly by this act.
I have yet to have the opportunity to see Water for Elephants in person myself yet however every clip and picture I see just makes it seem like an absolutely mesmerizing production. I have some minor experience with flying special effects in theatre and goodness does it take some serious strength to do it. The kind of muscle build you have to have for it is intense, and for these actors and technicians they have to do it daily, and sometimes even multiple times a day seems crazy to me. It's fascinating how something so graceful and beautiful onstage can take so much rough and tough work backstage. On top of how much weight the actor in the video has to be pulling, he has the stamina to sing backing vocals on top of it. I absolutely will be getting a ticket to this show once it goes on tour.
I haven't been able to see water for the elephants or any show that utilizes trapeze work but I've always been curious about how theatres use flying special effects in their shows, i don't have experience with complex fly systems so i would be interested in learning just exactly how they work and how people backstage utilize them for their productions(it feels like it would be an arm workout and takes a lot of muscles), I'm also curious about the safety procedures for trapeze, especially in a place as small as a theatre(what measures are put in place, are there any safety mechanisms). I feel my interest has increased after seeing this video, i never realized how beautiful trapeze can make a scene feel( i can see why its won so many awards, it really did deserve the tony nominations). After seeing this video I'm very interested in seeing it in person the next time in new York and seeing the trapeze work for myself
This video is so cool and I love that for this show, so many people who aren’t involved in the show are being given the opportunity to see the behind the scenes. I have seen almost every TikTok posted by the Water for Elephants page starting back before they opened when they started making videos from tech. Building up the anticipation for the show by sharing small clips of the pieces of the production that audience members don’t normally see, like the tech process, was an amazing way for this show to market in a new way. They have allowed people to see behind doors that are normally closed to the public and it definitely seems to be working. I’m glad that these glimpses behind the scenes haven’t stopped now that they’re open and running because this video is so cool to watch. I hope we get more like this as this is one of my favorite shows and I love every video they post.
Trapeze work is very impressive onstage, and off. Even with the advantages of having two people pull on the rope and the assistance of the mechanics of the pulleys, it is quite a feat. To also do it with the smooth motion to not jostle the artist and have the reliability of several moves a show without fail is a great skill. The audience seeing “effortless” flight of the artists adds grace and tranquility to the character on stage. The trust that also must go between the onstage and offstage to achieve at least the appearance of that grace and tranquility is immense and I’m sure it is earned after hours and hours of rehearsals and performances. I am also curious of the application of automation into a show like this. I wonder if the artist on stage would trust a machine. Also would the practicality of trying to integrate a machine to perform the minute adjustments for each different dance offset the reliability and speed automation could offer.
I was able to see Water for Elephants in previews the week it was opening. They have a really great social media team, I was influenced to see it because my TD kept sending me tiktoks of backstage work and design days in their theatre. I think it's really cool to be able to see the behind the scenes of a show opening on Broadway. One of the videos I saw was capturing what the house looked like during tech week and they must've had atleast 20 separate tech tables set up. It was really cool to see the collaboration, especially to get a glimpse into the lighting design process and hear from those designers whom you usually don't get the chance to hear from. After seeing all of the promotion, when I finally got to see the show, it was incredible to watch. They truly brought the circus to life in so many ways. There was no fear on that stage, despite all of the acrobatics and trapeze work that was being performed.
This is beyond cool! Water for Elephants has been a show I’ve been keeping an eye on for awhile, and one which I would love to see. The technical elements in the show are gorgeous, and the unique challenges the show presents like this trapeze work, are really interesting. I hadn’t seen this video before, and the technical precision of the rigging and mechanics of the trapeze flying system are fascinating. I’d be incredibly interested in seeing the specifics of how this flying system works and how it was developed for the theater. I’m sure circus venues and organizations like Cirque have similar systems and it’s really interesting to see it applied in a theatrical setting. I’m sure it’s not the only flying system and/or technically intricate circus-specific system in the show either. I really do hope I get to make it out to the show before it closes, it seems like such an interesting technical feat.
I’m going to see Water for Elephants soon, but I have heard the most amazing things about that show. Especially PigPen, Turn Tartan!! In addition, Kyle Selig is in it. So cool that all these Carnegie Mellon School of Drama people are on Broadway. Literally after being shown ‘the ropes’ I am in shock. I have seen the trapeze stunt before, but I genuinely had no idea of how it was done. It is super cool, and it genuinely takes a village to run a Broadway show. Also, I know Grant Gustin from The Flash, so when he first joined the show, I found that super interesting. I did not know he could sing. I mean I have not seen Water for Elephants yet but I really hope to see it soon. Going back to the idea that PigPen Theatre Co-wrote the score for this, I genuinely am so proud of the school I go to, and the creative space we are given to create real, and reflective art.
My initial reaction was concern and surprise from what I was seeing from the article and the attached video as I would have thought that there would be automated methods to support flying trapeze artists in this show, instead of just manual fly operation. But, this concern has moreso turned into curiosity as to how this fly system was created and how it has been determined to be safe for both an actor to be in the air as such as well as allow another actor to help operate the fly system mid show. While this video serves a helpful purpose of expanding the audience of backstage work, I think there is a greater educational opportunity for someone to actually then explain the technical details behind the move involved in the article. Lastly, seeing an actor help a backstage stagehand do this move was intriguing to me as I generally am unaware of equity rules and am now curious as to what the rules and regulations are in cases like these, and that potentially the actor themself is a trapeze artist and as such was allowed to be involved in this move.
-Josh Hillers
I've actually never seen Water for Elephants; however, it's a show that seems really exciting to me. I was looking at some production photos, and the trapeze work in this show adds an incredible exhilarating element to the production. In the image, you can see how the cast members control the trapeze and use it to give you those vocal and physical elements. I would assume rigging this system isn't easy, and they maintain such ease while working and also singing at the same time. The combination of acrobatics and performance gives this show a new look, really making one analyze the storytelling aspect of it all and really analyze the show as a whole. Water for Elephants, which is directed by Jessica Stone, has this circus feel, which is something that I noticed when watching the Tonys this year when they did their preview, and it's so cool how they can add these fully immersive experiences, which include things like being rigged from the rail and singing at the same time, as well as just breathtaking sights, which is why I know I have to see this show when I go back for fall break.
I love to watch rigging because from an audience perspective in today's world you would think it's all controlled by computers and technology. So seeing humans operate and control these mind-contorting flying people for the stage shows the reality behind these magical acts. It shows that human work and effort can sometimes be more safe and realistic than the world of technology. The cost that electrical rigging systems require to both buy and maintain is large and extensive allowing for older human operated systems to continue thriving in the theater world. I also believe that having a human operate a rigging system creates a varying effect allowing the performance to feel more realistic. It's the same concept that people don't like realistic looking robots because when everything is perfect people feel put off by it. That's why I personally love live theater because the chance of anything happening during a production is real and the precautions and ability to think on your feet is a needed ability in the theatrical field.
I have not yet had the ability to seee Water for Elephants, but no matter who I mention it to, the people I talk to always have something good to say about the production. The more that I hear about it, the more that I want to see it for myself. This includes now reading this article and seeing some of the backstage work that they are doing. As a theatre practitioner, I have started to really appreciate the backstage work that stagehands and other actors are doing because they make the magic happen on stage for the audience just as much as the actors who are directly in the spotlight. Additionally, shows like Water for Elephants are super interesting because things that you might not even think of have a bunch of people working on it so that the audience thinks it’s something super effortless for the actors or the run crew. Finally, knowing that Water for Elephants as a production has ties back to CMU demonstrates to me that I am where I should be to make it far in the world of entertainment.
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