Deeper Understanding of Technical Theater
- Grant Sizemore
- Oct 31, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 13, 2024
Laura Pates works as the Technical Director at Playmakers Reparatory Company. Explore the fantastical production process with Laura, an expert in her field. With over 14 years of experience, Laura has learned techniques that are cutting-edge. Her professional work has been recognized and is viewed by thousands of audience members around the world.
Role of a Technical Director
A lead professional overseeing every technical aspect throughout the production process. Technical components that can be incorporated into a production include: scenic design, lighting, projection-mapping, sound, costume design, makeup, and machinery to automate the show.
Laura Pates has a hand in many of the elements listed above. Scenic design is a specialty for Laura because she attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for an MFA in Technical Production. She also attended Guilford College for an undergrad in Theatrical Design and Production.
How the Interview was Created
Laura Pates was an obvious choice when deciding who to interview. I recently had a conversation with Laura about being in their class because she teaches DRAM 193-Production Practicum. Laura is extremely passionate about being the role of Technical Director at Playmakers Repertory Company. I reached out to Laura about being in an interview because I knew their story would be amazing to share with more people.
Creating a Script: I got right to work after Laura approved she was interested in doing an interview. Creating a script was an easy way for me to understand everything I wanted included in the story. All the details and B-Roll shots were decided on before arriving at the theater for the interview. Included in the Script: Summary about the theme and motive for the interview, Questions to ask, Commentary used for narration, Important reminders for me to use during the interview process. |
On Shoot
After arriving to the theater for the interview, I instantly set up my tripod, camera, lighting, microphones, and work station. An important reminder when shooting an interview is to always take things as slow as possible and take your time. Whenever you rush the process, important details can be missed such as keeping the glare of the light off of the interviewee’s glasses. This becomes distracting to the watcher and creates an unflattering appearance. Dialing in camera settings is very important for setting the mood and tone of a video because you don’t want the interviewer in the dark or have very harsh light faced at them.
Microphone Application
I knew this interview was going to be extremely smooth when Laura instantly offered to apply the microphone by their self. This is a tedious process that can be difficult for people that do not understand how the microphone is supposed to be situated.
After everything was situated and ready to record, I began a simple process of asking for their name and for their pronouns. This allows for the editor to understand important details when speaking with them afterwards and when editing the video. I proceded to narrate a story to Laura that would guide their responses. This would setup how I wanted a response to be and to create a cohesive story. I would then ask Laura various questions about the role she plays at Playmakers and how that role has created new opportunities for her to explore.
Shooting B-Roll
I asked Laura if I could shoot B-Roll with her so that it would created a completed story after I edit the video. I followed her around the stage and backstage to explore the various set pieces that she worked on during the process for the most recent production at Playmakers. I learned how incorporates technology into their productions to automate various parts of the set to move. I also learned how safety is taken into consideration during the production process. That is a top priority for Laura when discussing plans about how to build every piece that actors have to walk on and interact with.
Editing the Interview
I used the application Premiere Pro to edit the footage that was shot at the theater. I found music and additional graphics and included those pieces into the final edit as well. A good website to find royalty free music from is called Pixabay. It is very easy to use and all assets are free to use in your videos. Premiere Pro has a new editing feature that allows the editor to use the transcript of all the videos imported. I was able to select the words and phrases that Laura said in the interview and splice that into a video that is easy to understand and follows my narrative.
Post the Final Product
Learn Elements that Laura Uses to Create Eye-Catching Entertainment
