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WIU freshman Garrett Cameron, a theatre major from Rushville, works on parts of the design for the "Jane Eyre" production.
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WIU's 'Jane Eyre' Production Goes Green

April 2, 2015

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MACOMB, IL - Thanks to the efforts of the Design and Production Team in the Western Illinois University Theatre and Dance Scenic Shop, the Main Stage production of "Jane Eyre" will feature recycled wood pallets and reclaimed paint and lumber from previous sets, making the show a "Green Production."

Collecting pallets from Midwestern Building Supply, Ace Hardware and WIU Facilities Management, carpenters set to work dismantling and reusing the lumber in building the scenic pieces for the production.

The team went through a series of trial and error attempts at finding the best practice to dismantle the 120 pallets they collected, but finally settled on a device called the "Pallet Pal," which they created themselves, after seeing something similar in an online video. This device pries the boards apart quickly and does not leave part of the nail in the wood.

Some of the pallet lumber is being used to create stage wagons, which will be used to pull and push set changes onto the stage. In keeping the production era-specific, stagehands will not set foot on stage throughout the show, but rather push set changes, using these wagons.

The Design Team is also reusing stock platforms from other productions at the University in this production. Some previous show platforms that are being reused include "Stick Fly," "A Flea In Her Ear" and "Merrily We Roll Along."

Not only beneficial for the environment, the reusing of lumber is financially helpful for the department. The cost savings in recycled lumber and paint are being used to purchase cables and other infrastructure for new projection and lighting equipment, which will also be used during "Jane Eyre."

In an effort to be as environmentally friendly as possible all year, the Design and Production Team regularly reuse every drop of paint. If more than 25 percent of a can remains after a production, it is saved and re-tinted as needed. If less than a quarter of the can is left, it is mixed into a slop bucket and used for primer coating.

Another means for the department to stay "green" is through the use of LED lights. All of the ghost lights are LED now and they are in the process of switching remaining lights to LED, saving in power and heat.

Dan Schmidt, technical director, said the hope is to do one Main Stage show each year as a Green Production.

"Jane Eyre" runs April 17-18 and April 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. each night in the Hainline Theatre. Tickets are available at (309) 298-2900.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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