Blueprints are used to assemble the sets. The enormous backdrops have to be attached to the battens that hold them up above the stage. The set for the Cantata is loaded on the stage in pieces and with the aide of the blueprints the scenery is formed. After the last performance on Sunday night, it takes only one week for the stage crew to transform Elliott Hall of Music. Programming for lighting begins three weeks before the curtain goes up.
Lighting supports the show and reinforces what is happening on stage.
Like everything else it is controlled by a computer. The computer acts like a camera taking snap shots moment by moment. Once the computer is programmed it does take an operator to make sure the timing is right for each performance.