As a large-scale theatrical production, the Arabian Nights Dinner Show is a complex ensemble that requires more human coordination than technology or machinery to create the magic our guests enjoy on a nightly basis.

Steve and Kurt at the helm of the sound engineering controls.

The Tech department at Arabian Nights acts much as a the conductor of an orchestra would, setting up and producing a series of cues for lights, special effects and music that bring the emotion and majesty of the horse acts in the show to life. There are nine techs working behind the scenes during every show. A designated cue caller relays the cues over a speaker system, while other techs work the curtain, soundboard, light board and follow spots.

Arabian Nights has approximately five times more cues than a normal theater production, making cue calling extremely difficult. Assistant Director of Entertainment, Tracey Charlier recalls: “This show is the hardest show I have ever called and it really gives me appreciation for what our Techs have to learn.”

Arabian Nights President Hanna Miller appreciates the role of the Tech department: “Most people think that the technical elements of a show are mechanical, but when it is done correctly, running the cues is an art form that requires a lot of improvisation and a good feel for what emotions you want the audience to experience.”

No detail is left unchecked by our tech department, as shown by Tech Chris Kircher.

This is especially true at Arabian Nights, because unlike most of our competition, computers do not run most of our technical elements. Our Techs spend hours practicing and learning all cues and mechanics for lighting, sound and other effects like snow and fog. On any given night there is usually at least one trainee learning a new position in the Tech department, but a few of the Techs have been with Arabian Nights for quite a while.

That said, here’s an interesting fact: The longest standing staff member is Assistant Tech Director Kurt Kleimeier, who has been working in the Tech department for 20 years!

There are also always new and exciting things going on in the Tech department, whether is it building a new carriage, installing new fog machines or creating props. So be sure to pay attention when you come to our Arabian Nights Dinner Show and see all the effort our techs put into making the performance an amazing experience to remember—they work as much with their skill as they do with their hearts!

Buy tickets for Arabian nights online by clicking here.