As a production team we wanted to document the adventure we are embarking upon, thus "The Story of Chess" was born. We will be posting regularly during the process and we hope our followers will enjoy our behind the scenes perspective. Also from a Producers point of view and having been involved in student theatre for two years, I thought it would be different to reveal the secrets behind a production and archive how the final product materialises.
First of all what is the show about?
Taking something seemingly insignificant, a chess game, Benny Anderson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice explore the dynamics of political and romantic relations against the backdrop of the cold war. A tournament ensues that sees An American and A Soviet come face to face in battle before developing the story line to allow for political metaphors, romance and character redemption. The music is rousing and complex making this a perfect show for Edinburgh Savoy Opera Group.Now lets meet the team...
Ethan Baird- Director
Ethan has been involved in a number of EUSOG's past productions most recently taking on the role of Rod in the sell out production of Avenue Q in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This is his first delve into directing with EUSOG and he has so far been tackling the task head on getting the team excited by his artistic visions.
Jay Cameron- Musical Director
Jay, having joined EUSOG a year ago has quickly established himself within the soicety, known to many as the Ninja champion he is now taking the role of Musical Director. This is no mean feat, as we discovered with the recent delivery of the vocal scores, which we are sure he will guide the cast and band through without a hitch.
Samuel Burkett- Choreographer
Talented dancer and choreographer, Sam has been enlisted to bring movement to the production in ways which will mirror the themes and visions of Ethan and Jay. One year on from his first EUSOG venture, we are excited to see what he can bring to the chess board...
Tom Turner- Technical Manager
Having been involved in student theatre from the get go and having a wealth of experience in all things Tech we are glad to be in his more than competent hands with this production! With exciting designs we are sure he can liven up the 8 minute chess game and compliment the themes of the show.
Andrew McDivitt - Set Designer
With demanding potential set design we are excited to welcome Andrew all the way from Glasgow to help us assemble a stage which will allow for the boundaries of past EUSOG set design to be broadened and taken to a new level...
Liz Mills and Lucy Gibbons - Co-Producers
Keeping the boys in line and double threat we are in charge of the logistics of the production. Liz will be using her plethora of producing experience to create masterful publicity designs securing an audience to bear witness to what we promise will be an incredible show. I (Lucy) will be using my love of lists and all things EUSOG to ensure everything runs smoothly as well as providing tea on tap for the team.
So that's our introduction...
We hope you will become as excited by the production as we are (listen to the soundtrack and I promise you will be humming it continuously) Over the next 12 weeks expect to see the highlights of adventure, what is in store for you I cannot predict.Next stop, auditions. Stay tuned!
