With unprecedented support from both the military and civilian communities of the Morongo Basin, Theatre 29 has installed and placed a new high-tech communications system for backstage management into operation. The backstage crew had been struggling with an outdated and finicky headset system that was not allowing clear and easy communication between the stage manager and stage technicians positioned during productions at the main curtain, light booth, sound booth, and at special effects positions at the theater. Despite years of careful use, the headset system had deteriorated to the point that it had become too unreliable to use.
Because of the participation of both adults and children from the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in the productions onstage, backstage, and in the Summer Youth Theater Program at Theatre 29, the 501(c) 3 non-profit organization was invited to apply for a grant from the Officer’s Spouses Club (OSC).
The grant application specifically asked for new state-of-the art headsets to enable the close coordination needed to mount some the more technically difficult shows. The Officer’s Spouses Club responded to the application by awarding half of the funds needed for the headsets. U.S. Bank, a regular benefactor, heard of the need and provided the remaining funds. Audiences attending the recent Theatre 29 production of “The Wizard of Oz“ were the first to experience the advanced capabilities of the system. The “UIltraLite/HUB 7” headset system allows clear “duplexed” communication (meaning the user can speak and hear at the same time) between up to seven stage technicians. The rechargeable battery-powered system operates on bluetooth technology and has a wide range within the theater.
Theatre 29 Board President Gary Daigneault was very grateful for the OSC and U.S. Bank gifts, saying, “The new headset system is a welcome upgrade and allows us to coordinate sophisticated stage effects between the team backstage and the team up in the technical bridge. This significant support for Theatre 29 by combined local military and civilian donors really accentuates the remarkable relationship between the communities of the Morongo Basin.”
Theatre 29 is the largest all-volunteer, 501 (c) 3 non-profit Community Theatre in the Morongo Basin. It attracts audiences from the entire region,
the latest figures show that more than half of the audiences attending musicals and plays at Theatre 29 are coming from outside the City of Twentynine Palms.
Information on upcoming productions and classes at Theatre 29 are available at www.theatre29.org and on the Theatre 29 page on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The box office number is 760-361-4151.
