Part 3: The performance and reception

Artfully Edmonds is featuring a three-part series on what it’s like to have a backstage pass – even be a star performer on Edmonds’ premier main stage, Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA). This behind the scenes feature continues with Part 2. (You can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here.)

Stepping onto the Edmonds Center for the Arts stage must fill one with exhilaration – I love imagining what it would be like for a star performer visiting ECA for the first time as an audience numbering of up to 704 awaits you!

I’m sure that the 42-foot-high ceiling and the counterweight fly system must make quite an impression for our first-time performers. The counterweight fly system allows the backstage crew to hoist and lower the curtain, the light bars, scenery – and more.

Jeff Vaughan, who holds our backstage pass for this ECA quick peek, tells me the electricity that runs the fly system, lighting and stage effects could power up to 15 houses. What does it look like from the performer’s perspective, standing on the ECA stage? Take a look!

Say you need to leave the stage during your performance – stage left, for instance — but dash back on, from stage right. To accomplish the cross over, you will need to leave the stage, take the stairs ( three steps), sprint down the hallway that leads to the back of the house, and re-enter from stage right. Whew!

Following your ECA performance a celebratory reception could be waiting for you on the third floor of the Center. A new offering of Edmonds Center for the Arts is package-receptions that pair preferred-seating tickets to performances, with catered receptions.

Choices for private receptions include the front lobby, which accommodates up to 200, or (pictured here) the third-floor reception area, which provides for up to 300 ECA patrons.

Many performers and troupes return to our jeweled stage year after year. The ECA — and all that it encompasses — has become a source of pride for Edmonds. I hope that you have enjoyed having a backstage pass and quick peek at our historic and elegant Edmonds Center for the Arts.
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Large Stage Events This Week:

Friday, April 11 ~ 7:30 p.m.
Wailin Jennys

Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
410 4th Ave. N., Edmonds
Since their first album release in 2004, the Wailin’ Jennys have won critical acclaim through their haunting folk harmonies. Bolstered by their frequent appearances on Garrison Keillor’s public radio show A Prairie Home Companion, the Wailin’ Jennys exploded onto the folk and roots music scene, creating a dedicated following and now perform to packed venues. Tickets $22/$27/$32.

For tickets, call the Edmonds Center for the Arts Box Office at 425-275-9595 or purchase your tickets online by visiting the box office.
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Saturday, April 12 ~ 11 a.m.
Recess Monkey

Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
410 4th Ave. N., Edmonds

Saturday morning performance by “Recess Monkey”, the nationally acclaimed trio of Seattle teachers who make music for kids and families that truly rocks! Known for prolific, eclectic musical output and their contagiously exciting live shows, Recess Monkey strives to strike a balance between focusing on kid-centric ideas and passions and musical authenticity.

“Recess Monkey” is presented free to the public as part of ECA’s new Family Series, a program that includes the annual all-day event Kidstock! and focuses on engaging children from a young age in diverse and exciting arts experiences.

General admission for “Recess Monkey” is $5. For tickets call the Edmonds Center for the Arts Box Office at 425-275-9595 or purchase your tickets online.
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Small Stage Events

Sunday, April 13 ~ 3 p.m.
Cascade Symphony Orchestra Ensemble Concert

Edmonds United Methodist Church
828 Caspers St.,
 Edmonds
Admission: $25 general admission; $20 seniors 60+; $15 students with ID; and $10 children 12 and under. For tickets call the Edmonds Center for the Arts Box Office at 425-275-9595 or purchase your tickets online by visiting the box office.
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Note: Emily Hill is on vacation. Her expanded column will return on Thursday, April 17.

Emily Hill is an author and long-time resident of Edmonds. She is retired from a career in public information and news media relations. If you would like your event listed, or venue featured, in Artfully Edmonds, Emily invites you to contact her at arts@myedmondsnews.com