Saturday, December 19, 2015

Touring the AT&T Performing Arts Building



The AT&T Performing Arts Center is one of the prettiest buildings in the Dallas Arts District.  It is home to the Dallas Opera and we've been to many performances at this venue.  I've always wanted to do a backstage tour.  They host tours once per month allowing guests to tour the main portions of the building: the theater, guest boxes, etc. But only once per year, during the holidays do they permit tours backstage.


Today Frankie, Caleb and I went behind the curtain to see the green room, the massive back stage and holding areas.  The most fascinating portion was the elevated orchestra section. apparently operas are composed to be performed with the orchestra at a very specific distance from the performers.  The Elevated orchestra floor can be moved up and down with 1/32nd of an inch to ensure the composers desired sound level.  

Because operas are performed without microphones everything in the building is designed for the highest sound quality from the specific density of the cushions on the chairs to the gold plating on the front of the balconies. 



Russell Read the VP of Operations for the AT&T Performing Arts Center was back stage today overseeing preparations for this evenings performance of Jersey Boys, and he stepped in to give a personal touch to our tour.  The tours generally run 45 minutes, however he brought our group out on the stage with the set of Jersey Boys, and even gave us some insights on lighting, sound and pyrotechnics in the building. 

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain Hebrews 6:19

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