In the bicentennial year of 1976, the League of Historic American Theatres, an international not-for-profit organization, was formed for the express purpose of aligning together people who were passionately interested in preserving and restoring landmark theaters in their community. Stage Directions is proud to acknowledge LHAT’s laudable, continuing efforts by featuring a story that chronicles some groundbreaking restoration/renovation of a member Connecticut theater(“Warner Dreams,” page 22).

Perhaps one of the most essential roles in the backstage carousel of players is the technical director. Once regarded condescendingly as little more than a glorified stagehand, the technical director has, in recent years, assumed a mantle of well-deserved importance in the theater hierarchy. Frequently acting as a liaison between director, designer and sundry departments, the TD is often in charge of a multitude of duties that include overseeing load-ins (and outs), construction, equipment upgrades/installations and technical run-throughs. In addition to possessing first-rate management skills, the effective TD should also be a kind of Renaissance person, generously endowed with both a knowledge of engineering and dramatic literature, while blessed with a financial acumen that can come in handy when tallying budgets. A fluency in the language and art of diplomacy is another boon.

In this month’s special section, we pay homage to this remarkably unappreciated and valiant breed. From articles that address the proper training and qualifications of a TD (“More Than A Carpenter,” page 40), favorite gadgetries of those deployed nationwide (“Product Potpourri,” page 44) to profiles of three divergent personalities (“The Consummate Craftsman,” page 50), our Technical Directors’ Roundup is a virtual smorgasbord of info on this most inestimable behind-the-scenes performer. If you have ever entertained desires of becoming a TD or you are one yourself, be sure to check out this deluxe package.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if your theater experienced a bomb threat? An earthquake? Or suffered any type of adverse circumstance, such as a fire? If so, then you need to immediately turn to page 36 and read safety expert Jerry’s Gorrell’s article on dealing with event emergencies (“Averting Disasters”). Clip this article out and post it on your bulletin board. You’ll be glad you did.

Have a happy summer!
Iris Dorbian
Editor-in-Chief