Career Mirror -- by Mark Sproxton

Applause rings throughout the theatre as the lights dim, curtain falls and audience members rise to their feet. A stunning performance by the actors, great costumes, lighting and a superb set all contributed the successful run of the play. While the actors receive much of the attention, those backstage share in the gratitude as well.

"There is a lot of job satisfaction," explains Bill Gardner, set builder and scenic shop co-ordinator at the Centre for the Performing Arts. "The applause at the end of the evening isn't for you, but you feel you helped make that happen. It is a fun job." But building sets for theatre shows comes with its dark side too.

Bill Gardner glues some fabric to a frame he recently built.

For one, deadlines are tight. Once the plans and budgets for a set are confirmed, the builders typically have three weeks to turn the set designer's vision into reality. "That old saying 'the show must go on' is true," Gardner said. "No matter how far along you are. It can lead to some severely long hours." Ten hour days, or more, for five or six days a week are not uncommon.

For Gardner, his days involve planning work for himself and two or three other carpenters and a scenic welder. While Gardner supervises the work, helps build sets and acts as a liaison between actors, designers and other departments, welder and son Guy Gardner gets on with the required welding. "A big part of it is thinking of the fastest and most efficient way to do it," Guy said. "Safety is a big thing. I have to make sure I have screen set up so sparks don't go on something the painter just painted." Some of the things they build for sets could include stairs, door frames, kitchen cabinets, bars....

Gardner has seen just about everything happen with regards to sets in his close to 20 years as a set builder, while Guy, who has worked as scenic welder for just about three years, naturally, hasn't experienced quite as much. Neither, however, imagined they would have wound up where they are today. Gardner originally earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in painting before starting in theatre, while Guy signed up to be a welder's helper for a short-term contract and essentially never left.

Bill Gardner glues some fabric to a frame he recently built.

I wasn't a carpenter," Gardner said. "I started at the bottom of the ladder working at the centre and worked my way up. I remember saying I knew nothing about it, but I'm interested and willing to learn." Guy had a similar story. "I was offered a job that was supposed to be two weeks and that turned into a two-month project and I ended up staying. I was pretty green, but I was willing to learn." Other set builders have backgrounds or full apprenticeships in carpentry or cabinet making, while welders often have their apprenticeships in welding. Guy is currently working on his second-year hours for the welding apprenticeship.

Both enjoy the challenge of building something three-dimensional from a picture in another's head. But they admit that can also be a stressful part of their jobs. "You're dealing with artistic vision and nothing's written in stone," Gardner said. "Sometimes the things you build don't work with the vision and that sometimes is disappointing."

For Gardner, one of the highlights of the job is the social life associated with theatre and working with a diverse cross-section of people. Guy also enjoys the atmosphere and the chance to improve his technical skills as he masters the trade. "As a young guy, it's a great opportunity to learn from some pretty amazing craftsmen out there," he said.

Becoming a member of IATSE, the union covering set builders, is one option that may help newcomers find work as set builders, Gardner said. Before heading into the field in any regard, he recommends people have some familiarity with tools, know how to read blue prints and should have an open mind to change on the job. "I think it's important to see as much stuff as you can," he said. "Go out and see theatre and movies. See what people are building. Build your visual literacy."