Monkey Mind Pirates

tech specs

Monkey Mind Pirates is a 60-minute performance combining puppetry and live music. The show travels in two vans with six performers and a sound/lighting technician who will also load-in and set up. The performers include a violin player (static downstage right), an electric guitar player (static downstage right), an electric bass player (static downstage right), a keyboard player (center stage, performer travels downstage left and right when not playing) and two puppeteers (mostly behind set, but travel also through the house and downstage). Depending on the child participation in the contract, we may also add a stage manager.

Set-up can be accomplished in most venues within four hours. Monkey Mind Pirates is designed for a proscenium stage, and may include up to 30 child performers in different scenes, depending on the contract.

SET: The set is built around a 12’ x 6’ x 3’ scaffolding with a 6’ x 8’ panel 3’ in front of it. A free-standing keyboard stand and captain’s wheel sits at least 3’ in front of the set, and travels SL during the show. The minimal playing area is 16’ (w) x 16’ (d) x 16’ (h). Please have additional space and seating backstage for up to 30 child performers.

LIGHTS: Monkey Mind Pirates requires a general wash on the front apron, and special lighting on each of three playing areas reaching up to the top of the set. A strobe lightning effect is used in one scene. Contained within the set and operated by performers are two blacklights. Lighting cues will be provided on separate pages.

ACCESS: If performing on a raised stage more than 3’ tall, performers will need to have a secure stair to the audience to be able to accommodate audience interaction. If not available, we can adjust those portions of the show.

SOUND: Monkey Mind Pirates has four musical inputs: a violin, keyboard and electric and bass guitars. Each must have a separate monitor. The keyboard travels on wheels from center stage to stage right during the performance, and returns. There are also three headset microphones that travel with the show (XLR input), and up to three additional microphones on stands that will need to be provided. At least one must be backstage.

CLEAN-UP: Monkey Mind Pirates includes a blast of confetti during the performance. Please have a broom and dustpan available for clean up immediately after each performance.

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 plus up to 30 child performers)

• Fruit tray (e.g. grapes, apples, oranges)

• Vegetarian snack tray (e.g. pita bread, hummus, carrots)

MINIMUM STAGE DIMENSIONS:

• Depth: 16’ (back wall to lip of stage) – note may need extra backstage space depending on # of child performers added

• Width – 16’ at proscenium (ideally at least 20’)

• Height – 16’ 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 one 9’ tall van is required.

FRONT OF HOUSE: Late seating is allowed. We will require a minimum space of 4’ x 5’ x 8’ tall to set up our Merchandise booth.

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 can 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

1:00 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. 

1:00 pm Child performer call at theater (optional). 

1:30 pm Performer call onstage, house opens.

2:00 pm Presenter introduction, show begins.

3:00 pm Show ends, Company returns for Q&A

3:30 pm Clean up and re-set props