Magical Moonshine Theatre Outdoor Staging

WE NEED TO BE INFORMED IN ADVANCE IF THE PERFORMANCE IS TO BE OUTDOORS.

Outdoor performances present various difficulties for our performances; wind and sun being the primary ones, with ambient sound and other activities contributing. For most of our shows we require a backdrop of a black curtain with a backstage area (the puppets and characters enter the stage from the back stage area behind the black curtain.)

For outdoor performances where the presenter will not be providing a shelter with backstage area, we will try to use our 1/2 dome tent, pictured above. The tent is a 1/4 sphere made of pvc pipe and woven, polytarp, silver on the outside and black inside. It can be erected on ground or pavement. The below information will help in planning for an MMT outdoor performance.

MINIMUM area needed for dome and play area: 20 feet by 20 feet by 10 feet (height) (24 x 24 x 10 is better)

Orientation: It is better to set the dome up with its back or sides to the prevailing wind, rather than its front opening. Also, given the choice, audience comfort should be considered; shade is good and having the sun behind us during the performance time (with the audience squinting into it) is not desirable.

Technical needs:

Sound- We will need electricity to the back-center of the dome (we usually bring a plethora of extension cords). Our sound system draws little power (about 300 watts). We generally work with either 2 or 3 wireless mics (which we generally bring), omnidirectional/lav type. If we use a house sound system, we can possibly use our mics or house mics.

Lights- We can generally use natural lighting (ambient sun) during the day. Nighttime performances will require illumination. A general wash from the front is suitable for many of our productions.

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO OF OUR OUTDOOR STAGING

Click here to email us with your tech questions: mail@magicalmoonshine.org