SIGHTS
A stage surrounded by tiered seating, a multi-level stage with stairs going up to different platforms, spotlights, glittery and sparkly costumes, scantily clad dancers, singers and musicians, showgirls in glitzy costumes and feathered headdresses, garish colors, flashing lights, male dancers in tuxes and top hats with sequined embellishments, large cast shows such as Cirque du Soleil, single-man shows (escape artists on stages shrouded in fog, magicians with all of the usual props, singers and impressionists, etc.), neon and fluorescent lights playing across the stage, pyrotechnics creating fountains of sparks and other special effects, lights pulsing in time with the music, detailed props and backdrops, ushers showing people to their seats, assistants coming into the audience to choose volunteers, standing ovations and encores
SOUNDS
Guests chatting before the show, people shuffling along rows to find their seats, voices over the intercom announcing start times, live orchestra music, singing, heeled shoes dancing or walking on the stage, sound effects, viewers responding to the show (gasping, laughing, yelling, whistling, clapping), small fireworks going off, animals roaring and vocalizing, the ring of an unmuted cell phone quickly being silenced, audience members whispering to each other, feet scuffing the floor behind one’s seat, creaking seats
SMELLS
Ozone from dry ice, smoke from a fire prop used on stage, perfume and cologne, alcohol, scents carrying in from concession stands
TASTES
Concession food and drinks (popcorn, mini doughnuts, sugar-dipped pretzels, beer, highball drinks in plastic cups, water bottles) may be eaten during a show if they’re allowed.
TEXTURES AND SENSATIONS
A blinding spotlight forcing one’s eyes to a squint, a cushioned seat, one’s foot falling asleep, being chilly in a too-cold auditorium, excited anticipation as one waits for the show to begin, a drop in the belly during an acrobat’s daring stunt, being moved to tears, a glossy playbill or program, a seat that sags or tilts, an un-cushioned armrest digging into one’s forearm, dropping a piece of popcorn down one’s cleavage and having to retrieve it, greasy fingertips wiping against a napkin, light-headedness from alcohol, nausea from bright flashing lights and too much to drink
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONFLICT
Losing one’s tickets
Finding someone sitting in one’s seats
Sitting next to someone who reeks of alcohol or cologne
Discovering that an understudy will be performing rather than the star one expected to see
Being in a bad mood due to losing big money in the casino prior to arriving
Being reluctantly chosen and brought on stage as a volunteer
Sitting too close to the stage and being picked on by a comedian
Seeing a substandard performance and feeling that one didn’t get one’s money’s worth
An anticipated performance being canceled due to unforeseen circumstances (the illness or death of a celebrity performer, a terrorist attack, a problem with the venue)
Witnessing something disturbing during a show (an animal attack, an acrobat falling from a great height, someone catching on fire from the pyrotechnics)
Taking one’s children to a show and discovering that it isn’t appropriate
PEOPLE COMMONLY FOUND HERE
Acrobats, animal handlers, audience members, burlesque stars, choreographers, comedians, dancers, headliners, hypnotists, jugglers, magicians and illusionists, managers, producers, showgirls, singers, sound and lighting technicians, stagehands, ushers, videographers
RELATED SETTINGS THAT MAY TIE IN WITH THIS ONE
Big city street, casino, green room, hotel room, limousine, performing arts theater, taxi
SETTING NOTES AND TIPS
Vegas stage shows are known for being over-the-top with glitz and flash. Many shows rely as much on the lighting, pyrotechnics, musical scores, costuming, acrobatics, and dancing support as they do the main performer, since all of this is necessary for creating a memorable experience.
SETTING DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
From the moment the giant velvet curtain opened until it closed at the end, I sat, stunned by the incredible acrobatics of the Cirque du Soleil group. The costumes, the juggling, the body manipulation and music all wove together to form a story that drew me deeper into each routine, dance, and pose. My throat tightened at seeing such passion for the love of art. I could only imagine the hours and hours that went into making such beauty and skill appear so effortless. At the end, the cast members rushed onto the stage and I leapt to my feet along with everyone else. The theater thundered with applause so loud I felt it in my chest, and my throat grew raw from cheering and whistling appreciation for such an experience.
Techniques and Devices Used: Multisensory descriptions
Resulting Effects: Establishing mood, reinforcing emotion