Tony & Dar Gubler
Parent Volunteers: Fly Operators &
Set Builders
“As parents of a very involved theatre student, we found the experience of set building and “flying” Bert and Mary very rewarding and engaging. We never knew just how hard these young
people work at an art that is a talent, a club, a sport, and a job all
rolled into one. They are all so committed to putting on the best
show possible, with each and every show scheduled! From the
first day of the concept, set design, and casting tryouts until the
closing performance and set strike the following day, these young
people are laser focused, professional, and a blast to work with.
We felt so honored to be considered a part of the cast and were
treated with such respect. It was a real joy and an eye-opening
experience to create a spectacular event. St. Francis Theatre is
something to see and is a blessing to experience.”
Tony & Dar Gubler run a Private Investigation Firm. Their
daughter Katie ’16 was Stage Manager for “Mary Poppins.”
Fun Facts
• 200 9-volt batteries were used during the production of
“Mary Poppins” for the wireless mics worn by the actors.
• The Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Managers
worked over two hundred hours each to put on the show.
They attend all production meetings, rehearsals for vocal,
dance, and blocking, builds on Saturdays, tech rehearsals,
and shows.
• Shows are run entirely by students in the Tech Club.
All adults are hands-off at all performances, except for
five fly operators.
• There were 61 performers for “Mary Poppins.” Seven
of them are tap dancers from our Dance Company and
eleven are from elementary and junior high schools. There
were 25 Techies and 14 students in the orchestra pit.
There were 14 adults on the production team plus ZFX
Flying Effects Co.
• The show was performed eight times to eight sell-out
crowds, totalling 4,000 audience members.
• St. Francis performed two outreach shows to Sacramento
area school groups, comprised of 20 different classes from
10 schools: St. John Vianney, St. Philomene, Holy Trinity,
Phoebe Hearst, Sacred Heart, St. Mary, Shalom, Carl
Sundhal Elementary, Holy Spirit, and Leonardo da Vinci.
• There two different flying rigs for Mary and Bert’s flights.
Bert had five dedicated fly operators.
• 200 light cues were called during a show. That is one call
every 45 seconds.
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