Opera Idaho

Note:
In announcing the Egyptian Theatre in downtown Boise as its new home, Opera Idaho has committed to performing at least two main-stage operas at the Egyptian in each of the next five seasons. The first of these operas will be Gian-Carlo Menotti’s endearing Christmas classic Amahl and the Night Visitors in December. Rossini’s Cinderella and Ned Rorem’s new American opera Our Town will follow in early 2010. Opera Idaho’s Season-Opening Recital on Sept. 11 will also take place at the Egyptian but will not require adjustments to the theatre.

The Egyptian Theatre was lovingly restored in 1999 on commission by the Hardy Foundation. The Hardy Foundation is making further adjustments to the theatre to accommodate Opera Idaho in its new home. So that you can learn more about what is being done at the Egyptian and follow the progress being made, we introduce a series of blog posts we are calling:

‘Becoming an Opera House – Renovations at the Egyptian’

Production Manager, Jennifer Wilhelmi, will post behind-the-scenes updates throughout the process from the other side of the curtain. To view all entries click on the ‘Becoming an Opera House’ link in the categories list in the left sidebar.

Stage, Lighting, Communication, Space – Part 1

By: Jennifer Wilhelmi
Production Manager
Opera Idaho

A few years ago I did a workshop for the Missouri Association of Community Theatres called “Gonzo Theatre – performing in non-traditional spaces.” Next season Opera Idaho will be going into the Egyptian Theatre in Boise to present 3 staged operas and will be facing the same situation of working in a non-traditional performance space.

Yes, the Egyptian is a beautifully restored movie theatre and something Boise can be very proud of. It will be a wonderful place for the audience to enjoy the offerings of live opera as they have enjoyed the movies presented in this great downtown venue. Being a production person, I get to look at it differently. I have the view from backstage. I hide out in the dark and wear black clothes. In a facility designed for movies the backstage of the Egyptian looks a whole lot like a big brick wall.

The Hardy Foundation has made a grand commitment to make adjustments in the theatre to accommodate live fully-staged performances of exciting operas. The purpose of this blog is to keep our patrons updated on the complexities and the progress of those changes.

There are four major performance environment problems that are being addressed by the Opera Idaho and Egyptian Theatre staffs. The first is the stage itself. The second is lighting that stage. The third is a communication system for production personnel and the fourth is, “What do we do with the cast of fine singers when they are not onstage?”

As of this date, a lot of progress has been made on the stage. A portable stage is being designed by the Wenger Corporation that can be brought in and set up providing a center stage with wings that can accommodate a full chorus and scenery for the production. Some of the seats will be temporarily removed to allow for a proper orchestra and its maestro. The present lighting system will be expanded with more positions provided for lights further back in the seating area to better light the performers on the stage. A communication system is also in the works.

Ideas are being discussed about how to accommodate a large cast backstage, including dressing rooms and access to the stage without going out in the frequent Boise inclement weather to get there. We want our singers as well as the audience to be comfortable and enjoy the performance experience.

There is still a lot of work to do and although it seems far away, December and Amahl and the Night Visitors fast approaches. Come back often for updates on the progress of transforming a beautiful movie theatre into an equally beautiful opera house.