Everyman Theatre to Offer Inside Look at Set Transformation

In response to audience interest, Everyman has announced a unique experience that invites patrons to watch backstage crews transform the set from Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman into Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire - the two classics making up the Theatre's Great American Rep. This free, ticketed experience will begin immediately following matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays, starting May 28 and running through June 12.

"I kept hearing from patrons that they were curious about how we managed to do this!" said Founding Artistic Director Vincent M. Lancisi. "They wanted a front row seat to watch our team convert Willy Loman's stylized and stark Brooklyn home into Stanley Kowalski's lush and steamy French Quarter flat. We decided to invite audiences into this process and give everyone access to this incredible feat of converting the sets and lighting plots for two giant American masterpieces in under an hour."

This is the first time Everyman has produced a rotating repertory in its 25-year history. Resident Scenic Designer Daniel Ettinger was charged with conceiving both sets, which required unique designs and presented unusual technical demands due to the size and scale of both shows.

Set Conversion Facts:

· The set conversion takes a 10-person crew roughly 40 minutes to complete.

· 6,560 feet of steel tube, weighing in excess of three tons, is used in The Great American Rep.

· The steel used in both sets, laid out end-to-end, would stretch from Baltimore's Washington Monument to the National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor.

· 114 caster wheels and two special "zero throw" casters are used to make the transition safe and possible in such a short period of time.

· The sets are broken up into 11 rolling platforms, called wagons, which are linked together by casket locks.

· There are 50% more lights hanging above the audience compared to other Everyman shows.

· The lighting plot must be adjusted and refocused with each "changeover" to accommodate the lighting design for both rep productions.

The changeover begins at approximately 4:45PM on Saturdays and Sundays and is FREE to attend; however tickets to the changeover must be reserved in advance. For the safety of patrons and crew members, seating is limited. Patrons do not need to purchase a ticket to The Great American Rep to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Reservations can be made by calling the Box Office at 410-752-2208 or in person at 315 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

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