Orchestra Pit Lift Finishing

The steel structure for the Pit lift 'car' or platform is loaded into the pit, then assembled by the crew from Gala systems.

A wood deck is built on top of the lift car.

The pit lift at its lowest position, creating a full sized orchestra pit which extends under the stage.

The entire orchestra pit lift car, as seen from the lighting positions in the ceiling of the auditorium.

see some earlier photos of the pit lift construction.

Orchestra Pit Lift

The crew from Gala Systems out of Quebec begins installing the motors for the pit lift. At its lowest position, the lift will create a level playing area for the orchestra. When raised, it will extend the front of the stage.

Hammering

Robin Cote, field superintendent for Willis A. Smith Construction, does some touch up to the walled over construction entrance onto stage.



One of the construction crew works in the new cross under hallway under the stage. The new trap in the center of the stage can be seen above him.

Orchestra Pit

Lead architect Killis Almond (center), makes a first inspection of the new expanded orchestra pit under the stage just after the removal of the temporary struts. With him are representatives from contractor Willis A. Smith Construction and subcontractor Dolphin Innovations.

Pit and Stage

Lifts work throughout the theater as work begins on the freshly poured stage. Temporary supports for the stage can be seen in the orchestra pit.

Building the Orchestra Pit Walls

Cinder blocks are brought into the pit to build the cross under hallway walls.

See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, and Part 6 of the orchestra pit construction.

Also, see the photos of the excavation before the pit construction began:
Part 1
Part 2

Maestro Victor DeRenzi

Maestro Victor DeRenzi checks out the new expanded orchestra pit and the newly opened lobby atrium.

Orchestra Pit Construction, Part 6

See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5

Also, see the photos of the excavation before the pit construction began:
Part 1
Part 2

Orchestra Pit Construction, Part 5

The walls and floor of the pit are finished and preparation begins for forming the stage.

See Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3, Part 4

Also, see the photos of the excavation before the pit construction began:
Part 1
Part 2

Digging Out the Pit - Video

The last of the pit is cleared out so the forming of the walls and floor can be completed.

Orchestra Pit Construction, Part 4 - Video

The side walls of the pit are shored up while the concrete sets.

Work continues on the back wall of the orchestra pit.

See Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3

Also, see the photos of the excavation before the pit construction began:
Part 1
Part 2

Orchestra Pit and Theater

An early view of the William E. Schmidt Opera Theater and the Alisa and Ernest Kretzmer Orchestra pit from the stage of the Opera House.

Orchestra Pit Construction, Part 3

As the front wall of the orchestra pit is completed and preparations begin for pouring the theater floor, work goes on finishing the rear walls and floor area of the pit.

See Part 1 and Part 2.

Also, see the photos of the excavation before the pit construction began:
Part 1
Part 2

Orchestra Pit, A Look Back to July

Some earlier photos of the orchestra pit taken by Willis A. smith Construction, Inc. in July. See more photos here.

Orchestra Pit Construction Continued

The orchestra pit floor and outside walls are finalized.

Orchestra Pit Costruction

The rear area of the pit, which will eventually be covered over by the new stage, begins to take shape.