FAQs About NGS

Frequently asked questions about APT's recent reconstruction of the Hill Theatre

Here we are in August, preparing to open three more plays. Two months have passed since we christened the new Hill stage, and (without wanting to jinx ourselves), we are – to understate the case – very happy with the way it’s shaped up. And we hope you are, too. Indeed, we’ve received a lot of positive feedback from the audience already. Of course, there have also been some questions and concerns, so we thought we should answer the most mentioned of those publicly, for those of you too shy to ask. 

And in case you haven’t heard it before, thank you – so much – for being such amazing and engaged friends of APT. Now, on to your questions. 

Q: Sorry, I didn't notice much difference. Are the changes all backstage?
A: A number of people have apologized that they haven’t been able to identify the changes. Don’t feel bad! Our hope for the renovation was to maintain the look and feel of the old stage as much as possible. There have been many changes backstage, including a new rehearsal hall, new dressing room bays and bathrooms, better scenery storage and an AWESOME trap that can be wherever we’d like it to be (a trap is a space under the stage that we can use for things like Ophelia’s burial, or when Malvolio is locked in the dungeon). That’s just for starters! Keep reading for more details about the changes.

Q: The seats are very comfortable. Were they part of the rebuild?
A: While we did remove some seats to improve sightlines and accessibility (the number of seats dropped from 1140 to 1089), they aren’t new. The seats are varying shades of gray so that we can replace or reupholster them as needed over time without having to exactly match the colors. 

Q: I miss all the trees that used to be right behind the stage.
A: APT did have to remove some of the trees backstage in order to accommodate the construction, unfortunately. We’ve planted new trees in their place, which will take a while to grow, but someday soon they’ll look as magnificent as their predecessors. We’ve also replanted the flowers and grasses in the berms on stage right and left, and they’re filling in nicely. And we’re employing stronger lights to illuminate the trees further back behind the stage to make them more present, and visually fill in that space.

Q: The new facility seems to mask the gorgeous landscape. Now the outdoor experience is hidden by walls. 
A: The new stage actually has walls on hinges, which can be opened or closed depending on how the director and scenic designer envision the set. So sometimes you’ll see more of the landscape backstage, and sometimes less, but the potential is always there. 

Q: The wood is much darker, but I assume it will fade over time.
A: It will definitely fade a bit, though we worked hard to find a color that fit the natural surroundings, while remaining inconspicuous enough to provide a neutral background for the scenery. Before the construction, we experimented with a number of different types of wood and stains, and this is the one we liked best after aging. The winning wood was black locust, which is more resilient than the white oak the stage was built from before. And on Production Manager Michael Broh’s suggestion, we have an extra freestanding wall backstage made from the same material, so if we have to replace a board or two, we have wood with perfectly matched shading ready to go. Smart guy, that Michael Broh. 

Q: The stage seems a bit larger. 
A: The active area of the stage is pretty much the same size as the old stage, though the walls have been angled for better acoustics, which may affect people’s impression of how big the stage is.  

Q: I miss the wood chips in the lobby. 
A: The wood chips had been around for decades (well, not each individual wood chip, but as a concept). And as much as they were loved by some (we are going to miss their cedary smell), they were a bit hazardous to people who aren’t as steady on their feet. We’re always trying to make the theater safer and more accessible for everyone, so the chips had to fall. In the name of accessibility, we’ve also added a hearing loop system, a family restroom and improved the gradient from the shuttle stop. We hope you find the flagstone and crushed granite a nice aesthetic. For more information on accessibility, visit the website here. 

Q: Do you pipe in the whippoorwill sounds?
A: The whippoorwill song is au natural. Eastern whippoorwills are partial to oak trees, which APT has in abundance. And whippoorwills are nocturnal, so that’s why you’ll catch them serenading the audience during shows. Cicadas also like to sing along, as do tree frogs and the occasional barred owl (if you listen, it sounds like they’re asking “who cooks for you?”). 

Q: Loved it! But I did wonder, where were the bats? Have they been displaced? I always felt they added to the mystique.
A: APT worked with the DNR before the stage remodel to make the new space as hospitable for the bats as possible. Staff constructed bat houses from the old stage wood, and placed them close by while the construction was underway. They were once again moved back to the stage once it was complete. On a sad note, it’s believed that the bats are not as abundant due to the white-nose illness sweeping across the country. The DNR suggests that you can help by constructing bat houses, which cut down on contagion and give the bats a safe place to rest. Here’s a link to more ways to help. 

Q: What happened to the rack where I used to return my playbill?
A: We removed the rack in order to make the walkway flow a little less obstructed. If you would like to return your playbill, there are racks along the back walls between sections two and five, or you’re welcome to give your playbill to an usher or house staff member to return for you. 

Q: There doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house, the acoustics were great - and were you piping in some sort of scent? 
A: Thanks! That’s just our magical prairie fragrance.

And, not necessarily rebuild related, but frequently asked:

Q: Why did you stop offering Ben & Jerry’s (sad face)?
A: Sad face, indeed! Unfortunately, the Cherry Garcia bars are no longer offered by our distributors. But the Dove bar is pretty delicious.

Q: Why do you wait until show time to call a show for weather?
A: Weather is a tricky issue for an outdoor theater. Because weather reports often change, we want to ensure that the show goes on, if at all possible. Often, the forecast looks dire, only to clear completely in time for the performance. When inclement weather is in the forecast, APT staff is in constant contact with weather professionals, who keep us informed of what the cells are up to – where they’re moving, how quickly and how strong they might be. Though safety is always our primary concern, we want to make sure patrons who want to see the show are able to see it, as some travel long distances for their visit and are unable to reschedule. And if weather looks concerning, patrons can exchange their tickets for free by the day before their performance, no later than 4:00 pm, by calling the APT Box Office at 608-588-2361.