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Black Box Shows Come Alive with Choreography

Posted by Zoe Boardman '18 on Nov 1, 2017 3:17:40 PM

Dance, Fall - 4866224.jpgFor the actors in our black box production of See Rock City and Other Destinations, the past few months have been packed with auditions, learning lines, drilling choreography, and practicing music. Long hours and many weekend rehearsals later, the actors have proven themselves to be some of the most talented and dedicated performers we have had in my time at Tabor. Watching them rehearse, the show has never felt like a high school production but something more professional.  

While those who are in the spotlight work incredibly hard to hone their craft, this season, working as a choreographer, I learned first hand about the lesser known work that goes into putting on Tabor shows. Behind the scenes, work has been equally diligent. The show strays from many of the recent black box productions as projectors and electronic sound effects have been left behind to put focus on the artists in “poor theater” style. Instead, the show features actors holding flashlights as car headlights, waterfalls made from buckets of water, and live foley sound effects. Backdrops have been made, props have been found or created, lighting has been designed, and posters have been drawn up--all behind the scenes in preparation for show night. These are the jobs that often go without praise or even recognition, yet they are the ones that make the show possible. Seriously, if you’ve ever sat in Hoyt, you need to find Mr. Van and thank him.

Fall Drama - 4442894.jpgHaving been involved as an actress in several Tabor shows over the past three years, it was a new experience for me to step out of my role as a performer and into the role of choreographer. I first read the script for See Rock City and Other Destinations in a hotel room in Boston last February and fell in love with the show. It is filled with humor, a strong message, and a fantastic musical score. I knew that I wanted to be part of this show.  Despite having danced for most of my life, choreographing this show felt completely new and exciting; for the first time I was in complete creative control of more than a few dancers. I took my time to develop my vision and each Wednesday afternoon I have tried my best to bring it to life.  Regardless of my contributions, the show will be entertaining and a joy to experience.