Building Ballet Sets for 'Cinderella' Challenging

When the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center’s curtains are lifted for the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre's production of “Cinderella” in Duluth March 3 audiences will see the company's dancers recreate this favorite fairy tale. They will also admire the work of 12 Gwinnett Technical College students who helped build two important set pieces for the ballet.

 “This is a unique collaboration between Gwinnett’s oldest performing arts non-profit organization and Gwinnett’s rapidly growing technical college,” stated GBT Board Chairman Len Diprima. “GBT needed set pieces created quickly and on a very small budget. We approached Gwinnett Tech for help, and they not only fit our construction needs into their winter teaching plans, they did so with enthusiasm and creativity.”

Representatives of GBT met with Gwinnett Tech’s Program Director Dennis Bowers and Lab Assistant Kathleen Torrance of the Residential Construction program in the fall of 2011. Two items were urgently needed -- a large staircase for the ballroom and the Pumpkin Coach that whisks Cinderella to the ball.

Bowers was enthusiastic about the partnership from the beginning. “It’s really important to give the students the opportunity to support their community, and it’s also a benefit any time they can build something that is going to last," he said. "One thing that made the project so appealing was the prospect of creating something of long-term value for GBT. We hope these items will be enjoyed by both the students and other members of the community for years to come.”

Twelve students worked diligently before and after the holidays to complete the assignments. “The students had a lot of fun with the carriage,” Bowers said. “They took pride in building it. We started with a very general idea of what we wanted, made our plans, and adjusted as we went along. This gave the students a chance to be a part of the design process as we went from pieces of wood lying on the floor to a fully functional carriage.”

The staircase involved a totally different set of design and construction issues. “Stair framing is an important part of homebuilding, and something most students feel they can never have too much experience in,” he continued. “Making a staircase that flared out as it descended was an extra challenge that really sparked everyone’s imagination.”

One of the participating students was also a dance enthusiast. “This student has seen numerous ballet performances including GBT. She was particularly pleased to be a part of creating props for the ‘Cinderella’ production,” Bowers said.

All twelve of the students, Bowers and Torrence along with other Gwinnett Tech officials will be in the audience, front row center, when “Cinderella” premieres on March 3. A special curtain speech and recognition of the school, students and instructors will be given before the curtain rises.

Two performances of “Cinderella” will be presented at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and senior citizens and $13 for groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be obtained from any Ticketmaster location, by calling 404-249-6400, or by visiting the Box Office located in the Gwinnett Arena at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. Tickets can also be obtained through Ticketmaster by visiting the GBT website and clicking on “Buy Tickets” on the Cinderella revolving banner. 

For more information about “Cinderella,” call 770-978-0188 or visit www.gwinnettballet.org.