Introducing the Dolphin Black Box Theatre

The Dolphin Black Box Theatre opened quietly and without fanfare at the beginning of the school year 2011-2012. It is located in T Building at Marianas High School and seats 60 to 120, depending on the configuration used.

During its first year in operation, it hosted the MHS Christmas Choral Concert in December and January, the Friends of the Arts production of The Miracle Worker by William Gibson in January 2012, and classes by the classical pianist Roman Rudnytsky in January and February 2012. It has also been home to student events, drama class work, chorus, chorale and glee club rehearsals, Thespian competitions and even TV commercial production. Its next scheduled use is for the FOA production of Sleuth, by Anthony Shaffer.

Black box theatre is typified by a large empty space where the walls, ceiling, and even floor may be painted black. The space creates the feeling of “any place” and gives room for interpretation and imagination of the setting in the eyes of the audience.

According to Harold Easton, MHS drama teacher, black box theatre has the advantages of providing flexible staging, where any shape stage can be utilized without any other dominating features getting in the way. It can be used during the day or night. The size allows for an intimate performance venue and is highly adaptable to the needs of the production. Black box theatre has become prominent in schools and colleges since its introduction in the 1960s. Lighting takes on a stronger role in black box productions, and there is a strong link between experimental theatre and the use of black box staging.

The MHS Drama occupied a room in “E” building in 1999, according to Eason, and had a small stage and very limited storage. In September of that year, the MHS drama program moved to “H” Building and has a significantly larger space with a 24′ x 16′ stage, which is still in school use. MHS drama began its relationship with The Friends of the Arts at that time, staging such student productions as You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and Leader of the Pack, and FOA productions Steel Magnolias and Days of Wine and Roses.

As the drama program continued, it acquired lighting and sound equipment, and outgrew the space at “H” building. It moved to “D” Building, but was still crowded. Easton and the Drama program used the classroom space for rehearsals more than performances.

“With the addition of the choral program in school year 2010-2011, the need for a larger space was clearly evident,” Easton said.

Space in “T” building-about 2,500 square feet of it-was available and quickly converted to use for the Drama program. The space provides the Dolphin Black Box Theatre, two classrooms, and smaller rooms for lighting and sound, a costume shop, prop storage area and a set construction workshop.

“The theatre is still a work-in-progress,” Easton said. “A number of upgrades are in the works, most notably the roof and internal insulation.”

Some other features also need refurbishment, including a small bathroom, but progress is being made. Since the last FOA production, a new fire alarm system has been installed to better ensure audience safety.

“The Dolphin Black Box Theatre is available for other community use by arrangement,” Easton said.

The Dolphin Black Box Theatre (MHS T Building) will host the FOA production Sleuth, by Anthony Shaffer, on Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5, 2012, at 7pm, and on Sunday, May 6, 2012, at 3pm. Tickets are available at the door or from Frank Gibson, flgibson@yahoo.com.