Technical Direction
with
West Virginia Public Theatre
Leading the Way at West Virginia Public Theatre
Last summer, I had the honor of serving as the Technical Director for West Virginia Public Theatre's summer programming. I had the privilege of collaborating with an exceptional team of individuals. Together, we created an environment that was not only highly productive, but also infused with a sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm. It was truly a remarkable experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a positive and dynamic work environment.
Technical Leadership at Its Best
In my role as Technical Director, I took charge of orchestrating the construction of the sets while coordinating all technical elements for the two full-scale productions. A core principle of mine as a leader is fostering an environment where individuals feel secure, empowered, and valued as members of the team. Amidst our hard work, we shared some really fun moments, from savoring oversized freeze pops to impromptu dance sessions, and occasional shenanigans and/or tomfoolery, cultivating a robust and cohesive team spirit.
LOADING UP MATERIALS FOR BUILD
WELDING THE MOUNTAINTOP RAILING
CUSTOM BUILT WAGON WITH PNEUMATIC BRAKES
TAKING A QUICK NAP ON THE BED
THE MOUNTAINTOP
by Katori Hall
Director: Mya Brown
Scenic Designer: Dani Vanasse
Lighting Designer: CY Barnwell
Costume Designer: Jos N. Banks
Sound Designer: Lex Allenbaugh
Stage Manager: Seneca Phillips-McGraw
Technical Director: Pat LoRicco
ATD: Jacob Geodeke
Mounting "The Mountaintop"
Our first endeavor was the evocative play, "The Mountaintop" by Katori Hall. Set in the iconic hotel room where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spent his final night, this production had a scenic budget of $4000, two weeks for construction, and one week to load into the 140-seat thrust Gladys G. Davis Theatre.
WALLS IN...
WALLS OUT...
Flight of the Flats
The set design called for three flats to ascend at different heights during the final scene in the play. I rigged each Hollywood-style flat with using ⅛” wire rope, through custom grid square frames and sheaves, and down to an off-stage operating line. The lines were counterweighted for balance allowing for seamless individual lifting and lowering of each flat, executed with precision and ease.
Mastering the Details
The largest flat, complete with a working door and clear acrylic windows, demanded extra attention. The 16’ wide flat wabbled and created a tsunami across the set every time Dr. King would slam the door shut! A fairly typical problem to happen any time you rig a real door to fly. By incorporating jack braces, anchored to the floor with loose pin hinges so the crew could quickly and discreetly unlock the flat and latch the door shut before it would fly out, I ensured stability and safety for the actors, while maintaining the integrity of the design. The effect went without a hitch through the production.
As "The Mountaintop" went into tech, we began construction of "Sherlock: The Final Adventure" in the shop. This production had a scenic budget of $6000 and over 300 labor hours dedicated to its build and was also to be set in the Davis Theatre.
SHERLOCK: THE FINAL ADVENTURE
Adapted by Steven Dietz
Director: Kent Nicholson
Scenic Designer: Alina Cannon
Lighting Designer: Alan McEwen
Costume Designer: Katrina Lundquist
Sound Designer: Lex Allenbaugh
Stage Manager: Rachel Rock
Technical Director: Pat LoRicco
ATD: Jacob Geodeke
Bridging the Gap
To support the 40’L x 4’W x 8’H bridge unit, I opted for stud-wall framing, providing the necessary height and strength while ensuring the 4’ tunnels remained open. Assembling the entire unit in the shop allowed us to fine-tune its components, ensuring a seamless fit during installation. Additionally, we built a custom 12’ long platform using 2x8 framing to cross over the center expanse of the bridge. The 2x8 framing made the platform strong enough so that it dipped less than 1/16” with someone standing on-center.
We incorporated a track system for the gas chamber and safe walls, using rigid casters to maintain stability on the bottom of the flat. Masonite brick paneling with a discreet cut-out concealed the flats within the tunnel, making for an exciting and unexpected reveal during the show.
FINALLY LIFTING THE 4'X12' PLATFORM INTO PLACE
TESTING THE PLATFORM
INSTALLING THE SLIDING WALLS AND BRICK FACADE
THE BRIDGE AT TECH
Strike to Load In
With only five days between "The Mountaintop" strike and "Sherlock" tech, our team worked quickly to transform the stage. From dismantling and reassembling the bridge to installing escape stairs and sliding walls, every detail was executed with precision and speed. Check out the tik tok videos I made to document the process!
Check Out The TikTok Videos I Made To Document the Process!
Working on NARNIA THE MUCISAL
After the two summer shows were wrapping up, I also had the opportunity to assist in the budgeting and drafting for NARNIA THE MUSICAL, opening in December 2023. I worked closely with the Director and Scenic Designer to develop a working budget for the show and created a comprehensive package of working drawings for the production.
NARNIA Rolling Mountain Drafting
NARNIA Pivoting Rock Drafting
NARNIA Sleigh Drafting
A Summer of Success
Reflecting on my time with West Virginia Public Theatre, I take immense pride in the achievements of our dedicated team. We not only delivered both productions on time and under budget, but we did so without overextending ourselves or resorting to overtime. As the summer concluded, we even had time to pre-build some of the units for the winter show, Narnia and meticulously restore the shop areas.
Cheers to a summer of amazing memories forged at West Virginia Public Theatre. Here's to more extraordinary productions ahead!
