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Sometimes the most compelling stories at the Lighthouse Theatre are played out behind the curtain.
With four different productions coming to the theatre in just six days, the team behind the scenes is preparing for one of their busiest weeks of the year.
The fun starts with Songs of the Canyon on October 30, followed by Kate Ceberano on November 1, Fountain Lakes Y2K on November 2 and Guy Sebastian on November 4.
Lighthouse Theatre Manager Meg Deyell said tight changeovers were sometimes unavoidable with national touring shows, but they also brought a sense of excitement to the theatre, with more than 1,500 people expected through the doors.
She said the busy schedule was also a reflection of the Lighthouse Theatre's strong reputation among touring artists, which was something the team took pride in.
“Kate and Guy have been here a number of times, so if they weren’t enjoying it when they came here, they just wouldn’t come back,” she said.
“I’m super proud of the work that the Lighthouse team does because they do a really good job and they maintain that really excellent reputation.”
While audiences might attend a 90-minute performance, Meg said there were about 60 hours of staff time involved on that day alone to make sure everything runs smoothly, on top of work completed in the preceding days, weeks and months.
“There’s a lot happening behind the curtain. Depending on the show, there can be as many people in the wings as there are on stage,” she said.
“It’s like the Wizard of Oz said; ‘Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain. He is of no importance.’
“Whereas that’s where we live our best lives. In the wings, making the magic happen.”
For Ticketing Services Supervisor Megan Couch, the work begins before a show is even announced.
“There can be up to 12 months of preparation beforehand,” she said.
“We make sure we have all the right collateral, working with the promoter, and making sure that when it does go on sale, that the process is as easy and simple as possible for people to purchase tickets.”
For Theatre Technician Elliot Cooper, who also works front of house, the busy week will mean some tight turnarounds as one production makes way for the next.
“For something massively sold out like Guy Sebastian, it will be a load in with their show crew and ours,” he said.
“We’ll be a team of anywhere from eight to 12 people, all working to get the show up.
“Between sound, lighting and vision if there are any projections, they might need a flyman if there is anything suspended above the stage.
“Then the bump out as well. With a week so jam-packed full of awesome stuff, you’ve got to get them out as quickly and efficiently as they came in and get ready to do it all again.”
And while it will be a busy week, Elliot said he wouldn't have it any other way.
“Having that many shows come through here in such a small space of time and the community getting behind them as well, it feels incredible,” he said.
“I’ve been on both sides of it. Performing is amazing and a real thrill.
“Hearing people say that they enjoyed your performance whether that’s making them laugh, cry, feel inspired… but being part of the team that can make a show go up, gives me the exact same feeling.
“There is a big team making these things happen, and the majority of us do it for the same reason as me, because we love it, and we want other people to enjoy it too.”
While the Guy Sebastian show has sold out, tickets for Songs of the Canyon, Kate Ceberano and Fountain Lakes Y2K are still available.
To find out more about these and other upcoming performances, visit www.lighthousetheatre.com.au.