I made sure to finish the music production for the MKS Studio Vivace Choir’s song “Jesus, Thank You” (now being synced to the video recording) so as to be ready for the week of April 15th as I and quite a number of other tech, set, stage, directors, facilitators and most importantly – actors spent much time preparing and presenting Annie Jr. at the Marion High School theater. The presentation was one small part of the educational opportunities at MKS Studio. It was obvious that much time had been spent learning choreography, lines, staging and performing. The shows on Friday evening and Saturday matinee and evening were all very well done.
My role was primarily supporting my friend Allyn in setting up the audio and interfacing with the theater’s system for the 20+ mics and soundtrack playback. Allyn certainly did the bulk of the pre-work of programming each scene after a thorough analysis and mapping of the miking needs at each point in the musical. I also extended scene transition music, communicated with backstage and even ran the spotlight for part of one scene (my total career as a spotlight operator thus far), and in general kept an eye open for roles of facilitating the success of the week. It had been a few years since I’d been involved in a theater production, and I was reminded that I really do enjoy it and appreciated the opportunity of being included. Hats off to MKS Studio and everyone involved in sharing the heart-warming story of Annie Jr.
Thank you, Tom, for all your hard work. It was an honor having you and your immense talents with us!