Well, it is Fringe time.  The time of little sleep and trying to keep 3 or 4 shows in your head at one time. Just remembering all of their names can be a problem, especially if they are from overseas. You meet the client, show them the venue. Then it is time to get the set in and then start plotting. We only allow up to 6 hours to get it all together. 

The clients have all had the technical setups shared with them several weeks in advance of their Bump in. They then know what they will get based on the broad requirements of all the venue’s clients. Then comes the request for equipment that we don’t have, and this is just on the day of the bump in.  Then the usual question – can we have more time, we have not finished rehearsing it.

Then there is plotting by committee, all cast members have a say in all of the lighting states. This can be frustrating, but it is even more so if it is in a foreign language. I always thought one or two at the most would make the design decision – not the whole cast and their pets.

We make our way through the plotting session and jus have enough time for a full run if we are lucky.  But a cue to cue is usually enough unless it is technically complex. This we advise against due limited time and the fact we need to have a standard that works for all, with 3 shows minimum each night.

So you can see the Fringe can involve a lot of work that the audience have no idea about, they just turn up and enjoy a wine and a show.