A note from the Executive & Artistic Director, Heidi M. Sheridan for July 2026.
Each month in my Director’s Note, I will highlight an upcoming show or two, discuss a current topic in the arts, or share some news about The Jay & Linda Grunin Center for the Arts as we move through our seasons.
Technical Behind the Scenes
One of the most interesting and surprising aspects of the performing arts is the enormous work that goes on behind the scenes to execute a production in a theater. Bryn Farace, the Technical Production Manager at the Grunin Center, has a wide range of tasks each week.
Planning in Advance
It all starts during my booking process, which can occur over a year prior to the actual performance, when Bryn analyzes the riders of artists to see their technical requirements. These requirements change based on the type of production (dance, music, theater, speaker, etc.), and for music, performers have requirements for items like lighting plots, speakers, mixers, sound boards, monitors, microphones, stage dimensions, risers, power, instruments, amplifiers, and more! Once Bryn reviews these items, she can determine how much the show will cost in staffing and equipment rental.
Technical Preparation
Fast forward to a month before the musical performance, when the artists contact Bryn to do what, in performing arts language, is called ‘the advance.’ At this point, the performers and the venue work out all the details of the event, including the day’s schedule. Did you know that many of our artists arrive up to 8 hours before their performance? During the advance, Bryn discusses all the technical information with the group from the rider and creates a plan for that specific performance. Sometimes this includes having staff come in days before the event to hang lights in a distinct way and program the lighting.
Day-of Activities
On the day of the event, Bryn manages the Grunin Center’s technical staff to assist with load-in, set-up, sound check, and hospitality before any patrons even arrive at the theater. As the hour before showtime approaches, Bryn’s back-of-house expertise meets with the front-of-house operations folks (house manager, box office), who are concerned with checking in everyone and getting folks seated. Bryn lets the house manager know when the artists are offstage, and seating can begin. The box office staff tells Bryn if most of the ticket holders have arrived to see if the performance can start on time or if we should hold for a few minutes.
When everyone agrees it is time, Bryn tells the artists or speaker, picks up her headset, and tells the audio and lighting staff that we are “a go.” She directs them to play the opening announcement, and then the show begins.
Throughout the run of a show, and depending on the type of show, Bryn directs the technical staff if any adjustments are needed. She could also be directing performers backstage. Again, this all occurs through communication over headsets or in spaces where the audience is unaware of backstage activities.
As you can see, we would be lost without Bryn, so if you see her at an upcoming show, tell her thank you!