Before reading this concluding section of Mr. Correias article, it will be helpful to refer to the center spread of the September Ministry, by way of review. We come now to the construction of the sea scene.
Large scenes, if constructed of cloth, are most successfully presented. Some stage artists use colors with a water base to good advantage, but other artists might have other preferences. Regardless of what kind of paint is used, the scenes should be so constructed that they can be rolled up when not in use. They should never be folded, but rolled, to avoid creases.
The sea scene is so laid out that the sea part can accommodate five or six animals at one time. This provides ample space for comparing the Daniel sea animals with those of Revelation, and any combination thereof. On either side of the sea, land is painted, upon which land animals appear when the evangelist so desires. Those of Daniel come up on the left side and those of Revelation on the right side.
In actual display all the prophetic animals take their position on or above the horizon line, which places them in a position of maximum prominence. Two mountain sections of plywood are constructed on both ends of the sea scene. They appear above the land and help to break up the monotony of the long straight sky line. These mountain sections are set back a little behind the sea scene in order to permit the two-horned beast to come up from behind the land but in front of the mountains. Thus to the audience it appears to be coming up out of the earth.
The framework for the sea scene can be made in one or two sections. It should be properly braced and securely fastened to the stage with stage screws or sandbags. The construction and bracing of the framework is illustrated in the diagram. First the stage should be cleared of everything. After finding the center of the stage, set up the frame for the sea scene. Sufficient space should be allowed between frame and back wall for beasts to come up. The framework can be securely fastened to the floor by means of stage screws.Next the sea scene is attached to the framework by means of thumbtacks, starting at the center and working outward to the ends. Care should be taken that all wrinkles are out of the scene. Glass-headed thumbtacks are used because they are transparent and easily removed.
The animals are then attached and properly spaced. Be sure to try all working parts to see that everything is functioning properly. The lighting should be checked to make sure the animals can be effectively seen from all parts of the auditorium. After the scene has been draped, the set is complete. It is advisable to keep curious folk, especially children, off the stage, because one wrong move might spoil the effect and bring embarrassment. The stage kit and fire extinguisher should be on the stage for use in case of emergency.
The equipment of the evangelist is used in a sacred work and should therefore receive proper care. After the equipment has served its purpose, it should be dismantled and kept in an orderly way in a proper place. The scenes should be rolled up and placed in a container. Staging should be collapsed and set aside where it will not be broken. As far as possible, all stage equipment should be light, collapsible, and movable. It is most convenient to have one room for the equipment, where all stage materials, choir robes, songbooks, etc., can be properly stored when not in use.
Coordination With the Evangelist
Every man on an evangelistic team has an essential part in making the program successful. Close co-ordination between the evangelist and his stage manager is most essential, especially in a large campaign where equipment of various types and kinds is being used. The evangelist and his stage man should come to some definite understanding as to the exact night a certain prophetic presentation will be made, and what will be used to illustrate the subject of the evening. Plans should be laid so that proper preparations can be made. Every minor detail is most essential in the work of God, and efficiency and precision should characterize every move in the illustration of truth. If slides, cloth charts, plywood cutouts, and the like are to be used, they should all be carefully prepared for display at the proper time. Before the meeting begins the evangelist should personally check the stage and give his stage man the final word on cues, so that the chart or slide will appear at the precise moment it is needed. Every evangelist knows the result upon the audience if a beautiful slide or effective chart is displayed at the wrong time. The beauty and effect is weakened and sometimes completely lost.
The song leader should also work closely with the stage man in making proper plans. They need to collaborate and co-ordinate in their work, because both have much to do on the same stage, and there is sometimes overlapping of duties. They should come to definite understanding in regard to choir risers, choir seats, and the position of the piano on evenings that the sea scene is being used, so the view will not be obstructed. They should mutually work out the stage lighting, and each should understand what the duties of the other are to be. Close co-ordination should always exist between all members of the evangelistic group, and especially those using the same stage at the same time.
