Theatrical Stories

When asked to design this stage for Collaborative Theater Productions I didn't realize that I wouldn't be alone.  Covid was still a thing and I didn't want company on this one.

But there's a real reason for a ghost light.

Disapproval of my beginning work was shown by the lights flickering on and off as I painted the floor in a marble stain and began to chalk out the design.

In the story, Fog is racing against time so I thought it would be fun to show time spiraling out of control. 

Strange sounds coming from the darkness...  

Oh thank goodness!  This time it was just the sound guy.

There is a strong door at the back of the theater that is self locking.  Needing more supplies from my car, I decide to place a gallon of paint  to hold the door open.   As I lift the box of supplies from my car I hear a loud SCRAAAAPING noise as the gallon of paint slides.  I drop my box and run to catch the door.

Guess I'm done for the night. 

Ghost  1                           Krysta  0

Most people don't know that artists use helpful tools.  They think we just create everything freehand but I don't care if it's cheating.  If Leonardo and Alberti can get away with it then so can I.  I brought a light projector to trace my image of the world on the back wall.  

The trick with projectors is that the room must be pitch to see the lines clearly.  I can just hear the theater ghost starting to chuckle as I turn out all lights.

I go to work drawing the map.  After about five minutes, for no reason at all the lines begin to gradually get more blurry.  I go adjust the focus.  Get back to work.  About 10 minutes later..... blurring occurs again.  And so goes the night until I leave in utter frustration.  

Ghost  2                      Krysta....  still 0

In case some of you are wondering, the purpose of a ghost light is to keep stagehands from tripping in the dark.  But it has become theater lore to always leave the ghost light on for fear of angering the residing ghost.  

I had to turn it off to complete the projection.

I managed to finish the map and add final touches to the floor!   I gathered my things, surprised that the ghost hadn't messed with me and I was able to complete my work.   'Maybe it liked my art',  I thought as I smiled and opened the door to leave.  

Then, just as I walked through the door, the  keys dangling from the hook on my purse caught in the door and dropped to the floor inside.  

Can't get back in.  Can't go home.

Ghost  3                    Krysta  1   - cuz I'm done