Cellula

tech specs

Cellula is a 50-minute performance combining blacklight puppetry and live vocal music. The show travels in a van and two cars with four performers and a sound/lighting technician who will also load-in and set up. The performers include two vocalists (enter SL and SR, sit onstage left or in pit) and two puppeteers.

Set-up can be accomplished in most venues within three hours. Cellula is designed for a proscenium stage, and requires the ability to completely darken the room.

IMG_0687.JPG

SET: The set is built around two 6' (w) x 3' (d) x 8' (h) boxes on wheels that make up a 12’ puppet stage when set together end to end. During the show, the boxes are rolled apart to far SL and SR to make room for a large 10-14' puppet. The minimal playing area is 20’ (w) x 12’ (d) x 20’ (h).

LIGHTS: Cellula is performed almost entirely under blacklight. Contained within the set and operated by performers are four 4’ florescent backlight fixtures, a halogen light and two projectors. An additional two florescent fixtures will be hung from a downstage drop bar (preferred) or mounted on tripods DSL & DSR. Two final fixtures will sit on the floor downstage center, along with a special starlight effect. A single blackout near the end of the performance is the only external lighting cue besides a general wash for the curtain bow.  Two LCD projector travels with the show, controlled onstage by performers and projected onto props.

ELECTRICAL: Please have standard 110v electrical access available on Stage Left, Stage Right, Downstage Center, Upstage Center, and SR Orchestra Pit. If hanging bar is available, 110v electrical access to hanging bar. Our tech director will need on-off control of the hanging bar and downstage footlight circuits from the light/sound boards.

SOUND: Cellula has four vocal headset microphones that travel with the show (XLR input). If necessary, performers may bring their own PA system (please specify ahead if this is needed). An ipad provides pre-show music and a single audio cue during the performance.

VIDEO: Cellula uses two video projectors located downstage center and upstage center. We often include with the performance a post-show demonstration that, if available, is enhanced by a house projector and screen.

HOSPITALITY: The Company requests the following to be backstage in between events on days in which more than one activity has been scheduled (times will be advanced by Tour Manager):

  • Filtered water (enough for 5 performers)
  • Fruit tray (e.g. grapes, apples, oranges)
  • Vegetarian snack tray (e.g. pita bread, hummus, carrots)

MINIMUM STAGE DIMENSIONS:

  • Depth: 12’ (back wall to lip of stage)
  • Width – 20’ at proscenium
  • Height – 20’ mandatory

WARDROBE: If more than three performances, please have available a washing machine and dryer.

DRESSING ROOMS: At least one dressing room with adequate heating and cooling, hot water and toilets separate from public must be provided.

PARKING: Parking for one full sized van and two passenger cars is required.

FRONT OF HOUSE: Late seating is allowed. Cellula also includes preshow activities that can take place in a lobby or adjacent area. This can range from a display of a series of photographs to interactive microscope activities, depending on the space available. 

OPTIONAL PRE-SHOW MICROSCOPE GALLERY: With volunteer support, we can set up pre-show activity stations in the lobby for audiences to explore magnification. The Gallery requires at least three 8' tables, one of which with access to electrical power. If space allows, the Gallery can also include a looping projected film of cell division. A minimum of four volunteers is needed to run the stations; depending on anticipated audience size, we recommend five to six volunteers. We suggest opening the Gallery an hour before the performance time, and asking volunteers to arrive for a brief training 15-20 minutes prior to the opening.

IMG_0688.JPG
IMG_0693.JPG
IMG_0689.JPG

SAMPLE WORK SCHEDULE: Production requires exclusive use of the performing space during load-in and performance.

  • Below is typical for a small to mid-sized theater space. Unusual space may also be accommodated.
  • We prefer to load-in the day before performances and load-out the day after.
  • The schedule below is a sample assuming performances at 2:00 and 7:00 pm on a Saturday. Your schedule may vary, and will be forwarded by our Tour Manager.

FRIDAY

2:00 pm Company arrives, load-in and set up..

5:00 pm Sound check, set levels.

6:00 pm Company disperses for the evening.

 

SATURDAY

12:30 pm Performer call at theater. . 

1:30 pm Performer call onstage, house opens.

2:00 pm Presenter introduction, show begins.

2:45 pm Show ends, Company returns for Q&A

3:00 pm Clean up and re-set props

4:00 pm Company dinner and break

5:30 pm Performer call, warm up.

6:30 pm Performer call onstage, house opens.

7:00 pm Presenter introduction, show begins.

7:45 pm Show ends, Company returns for Q&A audience, greet children.

8:00 pm Clean up and pack small props

9:00 pm Company disperses for evening.

 

SUNDAY

10:00 am Company strikes and packs set, loads out.

12:00 pm Company departs.