Seeing a play at Tuacahn can be a magical experience; but a recent Tuacahn backstage tour made what happens on stage each night even more amazing.
Tuacahn backstage tour: Growth
Not everyone knows that Tuacahn has grown as much as it has. Approximately 28,000 people attend a play or concert at Tuacahn each year. As for the people looking to make it on stage, it’s a long shot even for the extremely talented. There are roughly 1,400 people who audition for one of 40 spots each year.
If you have never been part of a Tuacahn backstage tour, it’s definitely worth the cost. Tuacahn backstage tours are available on a reservation only basis. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children 12 and younger. Group rates are available.
Tuacahn backstage tour: What you’ll see
During a Tuacahn backstage tour, you will likely be privy to some of the details regarding Tuacahn’s growth. But you will also get an up close view of how each show comes together. You’ll see early stages of costume and set design. Learn about physically building these shows. And even get a sneak peek at where the actors spend their time when they’re not on stage.
Our Tuacahn backstage tour began on stage right. We were able to see a variety of costumes hanging in the wings, ready to be used for that night’s performance of “Mamma Mia!”
The Tuacahn backstage tour guide pointed out what is known as “the quick change room” just off stage. There is one such room on either side of the stage. This is to help the actors who have to get in and out of a costume in sometimes as little as 30 seconds. The actual dressing rooms are located much farther behind the scenes so it takes too long to run that far, change, run back and not appear out of breath when they walk back on stage.
A special floor
Moving out onto the actual stage, the Tuacahn backstage tour guide pointed out the special rubberized floor. This floor had to be incorporated in order to withstand the stage’s flooding feature, while also being safe for the actors to walk, run, jump and dance on.
Because of that stage flooding mechanism — where water can literally cover the entire stage and then drain off — the usual placement for the live orchestra had to be different. They are not under the stage in the traditional “pit” but rather tucked inside a small building located to the left of the amphitheater from the audience’s perspective.
Music, wigs, sets and more
The orchestra members are the only performers who enjoy air conditioning at Tuacahn.
One of the stops on the Tuacahn backstage tour allowed visitors to view the costume and wig shop. Many of the shows at Tuacahn require actors and actresses to wear wigs. One of the most wig-heavy shows at Tuacahn was the 2015 production of Disney’s “When You Wish.” That show had 200-plus wigs in it.
Because of the size of the stage at Tuacahn, all the sets have to be oversized. Although Tuacahn does rent out set pieces to other theater companies after it is finished using them, often other venues simply cannot use the sets because they are so large.
Another tidbit learned during the Tuacahn backstage tour is just how weather-proof all the sets have to be. In many cases, the sets are built with large cut outs or using mesh material in places to allow wind to pass through the set. If not, the wind swooshing through the canyon at times could push these large set pieces right over. No one wants the damage to the sets — or the danger that poses to the actors.
Live animals, oh my!
For anyone who has ever attended a Tuacahn play, you know using live animals is yet another aspect of this venue that sets it apart. Well, those animals have to live somewhere.
Tuacahn backstage tour guides point out the arena and stables where the animals live. The animals include horses, camels, donkeys, sheep, peacocks, dogs and chickens. Any actor who will be spending time with an animal on stage is required to spend time getting to know that animal in a special practice arena. Plus, there is always an animal wrangler on stage every time an animal is on stage.
It’s pretty amazing to attend a Tuacahn production with people who have never before been to Tuacahn. Whenever a live animal — or a full-size functioning car — comes on the stage, there is an audible gasp. There are just so many things that make this venue unique. And you can see many of them during the Tuacahn backstage tour.
No curtain to hide behind
One such difference between Tuacahn and other theaters is the fact that there are no curtains behind which the actors, sets and crew can hide. According to the Tuacahn backstage tour guide, this is because they didn’t want anything blocking the awe-inspiring natural red rock backdrop of the theater. However, just because there’s a great view, doesn’t mean there isn’t a need for the actors to navigate unseen from one side of the stage to the other. So, they built a tunnel.
A tunnel runs beneath the stage from one side of the stage to the other. In the center of the tunnel there is access to center stage via a lift system. Actors use this for certain entrances by coming up through the trap door. There is also access to the front of the stage.
No matter if you’re a fan of musicals or any kind of theater, the opportunity to see Tuacahn backstage tour is eye opening and can make you appreciate the work that goes into these productions.
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