During our first annual One Act Festival on June 19th, we’ll be hosting a live viewing party where you'll see a variety of new one act plays performed live, video recorded, or audio recorded.
We reached out to those working behind the scenes of our One Act Play Festival about what this experience has been like.
Abby Auman (Lighting Designer)
1. What are the challenges of working on a production under these circumstances?
My biggest challenge has been that on the whole, we cannot be in the actual theater. Given that my primary responsibilities involve the sound and lighting systems in our space, I simply cannot do most of my job at all. I consider myself to be a lighting designer first and foremost, and I miss that aspect of my job more than anything. Folks have asked me to help with lighting in zoom videos and such, but given that most people don't have lighting systems in their homes it's like, shine light on your face and not the back of your head. Hooray, you did it.
2. What have you found to be your biggest quarantine hobby?
During quarantine, I've been developing new skills in order to keep myself relevant. Most of what I have been working on involves video editing. It's a lot of fun, and gives me the chance to make something I can take pride in.
3. What is most important to you when it comes to your work?
My work is my art, as well as my livelihood, and it feels good to take a show and make it even more beautiful, even more immersive.
4. What makes you most excited about the One Act Play Festival?
There are small elements of the one act festival that we filmed in the magnetic, and it was the first time I've touched a lightboard in almost three months. That was a very good feeling!
5. What does it mean to you to be a part of Magnetic’s first ever one act play festival?
I just like one act plays! I'll have little to no involvement in most of the program, but I sure am going to enjoy watching it.
Biography
Abby Auman is the Technical Director of the Magnetic Theatre and of Parkway Playhouse. She also works as a lighting designer in theaters all over WNC.
Mary Zogzas (Sound Designer)
1. What are the challenges of working on a production under these circumstances?
I'm used to recording and mixing at home, so this isn't really a break from the norm for me. The biggest challenge is not having the opportunity to record actors in person. Fortunately, Zoom has provided a workaround. It's not perfect, but it's allowed us to get some work done.
2. What have you found to be your biggest quarantine hobby?
Gardening, home renovation projects, cooking, playing guitar, painting
3. What is most important to you when it comes to your work?
Keeping things interesting, trying new things, exceeding expectations wherever possible
4. What makes you most excited about the One Act Play Festival?
I appreciate that people have adapted and produced work despite the challenges. I'm happy that digital audio can help to support the show when the in-person experience we're used to isn't an option.
5. What does it mean to you to be a part of Magnetic’s first ever one act play festival?
I'm happy to support new artists.
Biography
Mary Zogzas studied philosophy and music technology at UNCA. She works locally as a live sound engineer and recreates as performer/producer with Whitechips and +48v & Her Phantom Powers. She has worked with the company on many productions as a sound designer and performer.
Tickets are now on sale for our upcoming One Act Play Festival on June 19th! Grab yours here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=114699