One of the unexpected benefits of this renovation is that, by re-routing some HVAC duct work, we discovered we are able to add at least 8 feet to the height of the stage.  You may ask. . . why does that matter?  The stage already seems pretty tall, right?  Well, yes it is, but when you’re presenting live performances, especially of dance and theatre, companies commonly arrive with large set pieces or backdrops that need to hang at the rear of the stage, or even complex lighting equipment that need to go over the stage.  So, the more space you have over the stage, the more easy it is to accommodate these productions.  In the past, it was not uncommon to see large set pieces left outside that were too tall for our theater, and once we even had a dancer get caught on some lighting equipment because it was hung so low.  Everyone (especially our technical crew) is excited at the idea of being able to accommodate these large shows more easily, and present our audience with fuller, richer productions.

The first step was to build extensive scaffolding on the stage, so that workers could access the ceiling (and beyond).  Take particular notice of that large, black area of the ceiling that hangs down.  It won’t be there much longer!

The next step was to tent the entire top level of the scaffolding surrounding the ceiling, so that everything could be torn out.

Once the old ceiling was ripped down, and the tenting removed, you could see how much more room was available above the stage, as well as all the duct work that had to be removed.

It was a very loud day when the duct work came tumbling down. . .

As the duct work got torn out, it became easier to see that there was even more demolition to do to free up more space above the stage.

Now, as work progresses, the scaffolding continues to get higher and higher, as crews clear space and re-build the ceiling over the stage.