JOHN RAYNOR
John is a longtime Sunset volunteer and this time, he took on the role of Master Electrician for NOISES OFF. His hard work does not go unnoticed and we are so grateful John is a part of our Sunset family!
How did you first start volunteering at Sunset?
In 1971, I was invited by Mary Strong to play a mysterious old man in her children’s play THE SQUARE EGG covered in age makeup and white hair spray (none of which I’d need today).
Do you have a funny backstage story?
The first play I designed lights for was Mary Strong’s 1973 play THE DARKLE. Sunset’s old light board was an entirely manual system that took at least two operators for all but the simplest shows. For THE DARKLE, Katie Horrigan was one operator and I was the other; each of us controlling half of the board. At some point I encroached on Katie’s half and was promptly rebuked. It worked out for the best though as Katie and I have been married for 45 years.
When you’re not at Sunset, what do you like to do?
Astronomy.
Attend lots of theater (local groups, American Players, Stratford Festival of CA) and opera.
What’s your favorite part about theater?
As an actor – rehearsing.
As a lighting tech – watching a lighting designer turn dimmers, cables, various types of lighting instruments and color filters into a visual environment that supports the play.
THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF SUNSET PLAYHOUSE AND OUR PATRONS!