Lights and Sound Transform Every Show at The Clayton Center
From glowing beams of light to perfectly balanced sound, The Clayton Center creates a live experience that captivates every audience member. Behind the scenes, skilled technicians carefully coordinate lighting, audio, and stage effects to transform each performance into a visual and auditory spectacle.
This October, during National Arts and Humanities Month, the Town of Clayton invites residents to celebrate the arts by experiencing the creativity, precision, and dedication that make each show at The Clayton Center extraordinary.
Ethan McKenzie, Event Specialist at The Clayton Center, oversees the technical side of every production.
“The scale of production that we can achieve, given the size of the room, is very high,” said McKenzie. “We have grown a lot over the past few years, and we are always striving to make each show exciting and immersive for the audience.”
McKenzie and his team manage lighting, sound, and staffing for each event. He explained how haze, essentially water vapor, makes the beams of light visible, creating the dramatic visual effects that enhance the performance.
“Seeing the beams fill the stage and house is what makes a show,” he said. “Sound is just as important. Everything has to work together to deliver a complete experience.”
Audiences may not notice the hours of preparation, troubleshooting, and technical problem-solving that go into each show. McKenzie described the process as both challenging and rewarding.
“Some performances can take 10 to 12 hours of setup for just a two-hour event. Constantly learning new technologies and adapting to each act keeps the job exciting,” he said.
Two recent shows, Lone Star and Sister Hazel, highlight The Clayton Center’s ability to produce high-quality performances.
“Both were packed houses and fun bands to work with,” said McKenzie. “For Sister Hazel, we handled all the lighting and technical production, and seeing everything come together beautifully was very satisfying.”
Advanced equipment, such as The Clayton Center’s digital sound console and high-capacity power distributor, allows the team to maximize the impact of every performance.
“Using the tools we have to create a show that looks and sounds amazing is one of the most rewarding parts of this work,” noted McKenzie.
For more information about upcoming shows at The Clayton Center, visit theclaytoncenter.com.
