MEN IN BLACK, TOO

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Production of
the Opening and Closing Sessions of the
Event Solutions Expo 2003

E. Through the Eyes of the Production Team and Entertainers

12. - String Theory Productions

We performed in the Closing Session. Our group creates and installs giant long-string harps which we customize to each event.

We perform on these harps by playing music ranging from pop to renaissance. For the Closing Session, we set up two harps with intersecting strings that attached to the lighting truss over the stage.

We came up with the idea for this type of performance while working with a bunch of different artists from different backgrounds in Chicago.

We wanted to find a way to blend visual art, dance, and music. There is a woman in Seattle who came up with the long string concept, but we adapted it to fit our needs and vision. We do these performance installations all the time. Each time it is different, so each situation is unique.

We keep experimenting with different styles of music and configurations of our sound installations. In terms of working with the customer, we are extremely versatile. One day, we might be interacting with a bunch of kids and the next, performing for a black tie affair. We also have collaborated in some shows with video artists and DJs, to create an electronica experience.

Our group has an amazingly diverse background.

Luke is the instrument designer and builder. His background is in painting and music. He brings his love for rock'n'roll and visual art to the group. He designs and makes the harps. The biggest harp we ever installed was 770 feet to the top of a skyscraper.

I think one of the most interesting setups to date was at a theater in Hollywood. We had strings stretched to the very back of the theater and strings stretched across the back wall of the theater, some hanging vertically from the ceiling with theater lights suspended off the bottom. We also had a 60 foot horizontal harp stretched waist level across the front of the stage played by dancers in a piece composed and choreographed for long strings.

Joey studied baroque classical cello. Greg writes music and is a multi instrumentalist and does web design and titles for film. Carey studied classical music and plays french horn and trumpet.

I come from a theater/dance background. We are also doing music for film, theater and television and are currently scoring/writing music for three feature films.

Holly Rothschild
STRING THEORY PRODUCTIONS
310.822.6321
www.stringtheoryproductions.com