14 LUMEN | FEATURE
The
By Luke Lim
Performing Arts Centre
The Performing Arts Centre ( PAC ) looked similar to the way it was when the school moved out three years ago , yet something was different . The grand awe-inspiring spiral staircase leading up to it has been transformed into several dance studios . The PAC has certainly changed during the time when we were away .
Irecalled stepping into the PAC for my very first rehearsal with the Drama Club . In our very first audition , I was selected for a role in the play Those Who Can ’ t , Teach written by award-winning playwright Haresh Sharma . After several rehearsals , I was told that I was not fit for the role in the play , and would have to be replaced by another student . At that time , I was devastated , and felt like I did not have a place within the club . Little did I know that it would be the blessing in disguise that helped me to discover my identity in the Drama Club .
I eventually worked on the sound design for the play , and slowly became accustomed to the ins and outs of the PAC , the backstage areas within that most people had never been to , and from the outside , seemed full of mystery . The faded green cushioned seats , starting to show signs of wear and tear , are all indications that the PAC was once filled to the brim with a packed audience . The creaking floorboards and malfunctioning spotlights implied that the PAC has seen many different performances of various genres and languages , yet it is still fondly remembered . Constant reminders not to stain the seats or climb over them , and the commitment of the facilities staff to constantly maintain the sound and light systems are proof that the PAC is well loved among the school community .
Even though costumes that are
enveloped in dust and have not been worn in decades are still displayed , the dressing room is still the heart and soul of the PAC . The glamour occurs on the stage , but it is what goes on behind the scenes that keeps the PAC ticking . Beads of perspiration drip down the actors foreheads , whether out of nervousness or simply from the sheer lack of ventilation , as they prepare themselves to do their weeks of rehearsals justice . Clammy fingers grip tightly on the edge of their seats , and feet tap restlessly on the stained floor tiles . This is what happens behind the scenes , something that the audience never see .
The technical box , located behind the audience , was where I spent most of my rehearsals . Continuously following the script , and playing the correct sound cues while turning on
and off the actors ’ microphones when they entered or left the stage was mentally exhausting yet fulfilling . Of course , despite the countless repetitions , the show did not run as smoothly as I had hoped , and not only did I accidentally play a happy tune during one of the play ’ s most emotional moments , I forgot to turn off an actor ’ s microphone , and when he stepped backstage , several crass and indecent words came booming through the sound system of the PAC .
The PAC may have changed , yet I still fondly hold all those memories of my first and last involvement in it . I cannot wait to see the memories and experiences it will bring to future generations of students once it is fully restored for use again . Perhaps the new changes will benefit the greater school community , but to me , it was perfect the way we left it three years ago .