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Let’s Sneak Backstage at Children’s Theatre
by Matt Olin on March 12, 2019
They say the devil’s in the details – and we’re here to point out the devilishly cool details in the
QC. When you live in a town for a long time, it’s easy to stop looking. But, from street art to set
design to kitschy places to grab a beer and a sandwich, Charlotte’s got plenty to enthrall your
curiosity … if you’re looking.
If you really want to find yourself getting lost in the details of Charlotte’s creativity, pull
whatever strings you must to get a tour of the legendary scene shop at the Children’s Theatre of
Charlotte. Photographer Alvin C. Jacobs Jr. and I slipped back there recently with the theatre’s
veteran scenic artist, Tim Parati, and we marveled at the many relics of fantastical worlds hiding
in every corner. Having helped build sets and props years ago at the original Children’s Theatre
on Morehead Street, this was a nostalgia-rich experience for me. Hover over the individual photos
below to read captions in which Parati provides some extra insights. Dig in!
A - Skeleton DemonThis terrifying fellow was used in"Scrooge!" He was one of several Ebenezer and Jacob Marley met in hell.
B - Emerald City GatesAn ornate set piece from from "The Wizard of Oz." Likes these gates, the set was all verdegris and steampunk!
C - Gold HornThis was used by the "BFG" for capturing dreams. He gives the good ones to children all around the world.
D - Unused StoplightUnused traffic light built for "Go Dog. Go!" Might use it in another show. We reuse things often.
E - Blue HouseWe built this for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" -- row of houses across the back. This one got cut.
F - Yellow SunAnother favorite from "Go Dog. Go!" ... "the sun is up....the sun is yellow..." This one made the cut!
G - Jolly Roger FlagA flag from one of our many pirate shows. No one in the scene shop remembers which one. So many pirate shows!
H - Mouse George WashingtonGeorge Washington as a mouse portrait from the classroom in "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse."
Witch's BroomOur previous Artistic Director, the late Alan Poindexter, wielded this broom in "The Wizard of Oz."
J - Menu CabinetWe made this cabinet for "Pinkalicious. "The entire set was one made to look like the book -- one big collage.
K - Subway MosaicThis was part of the subway station in our production of "Madagascar."
L - Giant Baseball CardFrom "Jackie and Me." This was one of many large baseball cards that spilled across the set.
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Photo Credit: Alvin C. Jacobs Jr.
Comments 1
I loved this. I have taken my kids so see so many of these shows and it’s cool to see the detailed work that goes into the set designs up close. Looks like Tim Parati is a big part of the village that makes Children Theater a success here in Charlotte!