One of the biggest (but very fun!) jobs of putting together a production like AMA Dance & Music School’s June recital is making scenery and tons of props! Our shows at AMA are very unique. We spend a lot of time and energy on building a visually fun world around that theme! We build sets that bring our show to LIFE!
I hear every year from audience members that it was really nice that the school let us use “this” or “that.” Or they say, “The backdrop the school had went great with your theme!”
Nothing in our show is by chance. All scenery and props are handmade. And backdrops are ordered special just for our show!
Who makes the props? Two little elves… named Miss Ann Marie and Miss Cari.
Miss Ann Marie and Miss Cari
I draw. She cuts. We both paint. We start about four weeks before the show and work day and night until everything is complete.
In 2009, we did a circus theme which included a beautiful backdrop, giant dimes, vacuum cleaners that lit up and we tap danced on… and a life-sized airplane! I am not kidding!
Our Circus Backdrop
Giant Dimes!
Vacuum Cleaners & Dancers
Life size airplane with pilot and moving propeller! Tappers danced on the wings!
In 2011, when we did “Let the Games Begin,” we made everything from giant guitars to a submarine, to a barrel of monkeys, to a beehive, to life-sized Barbie boxes! We had a lot of fun with that show!
Giant guitar we danced on!
Rock n’ Roll Ladies!
Submarine
Barrel of Monkeys
Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz………. A Beehive!
Barbie Boxes
Just last year, we made a GIANT tv that all dancers could enter through for our “Channel Surfing” theme. With the help of one of teachers, Miss Katie, the set from “Laugh In” was constructed and brought to life on our stage! And we can’t forget the Partridge Family bus! Soooo cute!
Giant TV
Laugh-In Set
Partridge Family Bus
My all-time favorite prop to make was for our Holiday show. We made those little green army men come to life. We bungee corded boards to our dancers’ feet. We had them custom made! We wanted the performers’ faces to be green too, but didn’t want the mess of make-up, so we came up with the idea to put green nylon stockings over the dancers’ faces. It looked fabulous! Take a look!
Army Men Are Ready Back Stage!
On stage it looked like the girls were flying through the air!
We don’t mess around! Okay, we do laugh a lot during production, but we definitely take our set-building seriously!
What’s in store for THIS year? You will not be disappointed! Our show, “Music Legends and Superstars” features some very creative scenery you will NEVER forget!
Want to see for yourself what a fantastic show AMA Dance & Music School is putting on this year?
Come to the show! Here are dates and times for our three performances:
Performance Dates:
Saturday, June 14, 2014 (1:30pm)
Sunday, June 15, 2014 (Noon & 3:00pm)
Location:
Maine East High School
2601 W. Dempster
Park Ridge, IL
Don’t miss your chance to watch our students AMAze you with their hard work, skills, and talents – surrounded by our fabulous custom-built set! Reserve your seats now by calling our office at 847-299-2233, or fill out our online order form here!
See you there!
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