Secrets Of Stage's Special Effects Revealed In Theatre Talk
14 March 2013
Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' at the Leicester Haymarket Theatre, lit by then Lighting Designer Professor Chris White.
Professor Chris White.
Stage productions often now have live actors interacting with characters on film, as in the 2011 production of 'Hamlet' at Derby Theatre.
If you've ever wondered how theatres stage the French Revolution, make a man invisible or safely drop a chandelier into the audience every night, a University of Derby expert has the answers.
A glimpse behind the curtain of theatre special effects used by the likes of Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera - and a few surprises - are promised during a talk at Derby Theatre, by Professor Chris White, Head of the University's School of Art and Design.
Her free public talk - The Stage Is Set or Is It? - will be held at the Derby city-centre theatre at 6.30pm on Wednesday March 20.
Chris has worked in theatres as a stage manager, electrician and lighting designer.
In her talk she will look at how art and technology come together on the stage, through the sophisticated gadgets and gizmos now being used to delight theatregoing audiences. There will also be a look back at the pioneers of such effects.
Chris said: "We hear a lot about movies' superb special effects but the modern lighting, electronic and mechanical tricks now available to theatres can produce astounding entertainment as well. In fact, the line between the two is beginning to blur, as live stage actors often interact with filmed or computer-generated characters.
"Like a night out at the theatre, my talk will have a cast, a lot of technical support and a few surprises for the audience."
The March 20 lecture is free to attend but places must be booked in advance. To book a place online visit website www.derby.ac.uk/white or phone University of Derby Events Officer Angela Drinkwater on 01332 591046.
For more information on Derby Theatre, which is run by the University of Derby as both a learning and commercial theatre, and its Theatre courses see website www.derby.ac.uk/humanities/theatre
For further press information please contact Sean Kirby, University of Derby Press and PR Officer, on 01332 591891 or email: s.kirby@derby.ac.uk
