THREE QUESTIONS WITH

When it's outside, theater can be up to the elements

From rainy to windy to hot, weather governs backstage and onstage

The Zilker Summer Musical celebrates its half-century mark this year with the 50th presentation of a free production in Zilker Park. For decades, folks have been plunking down their blankets on the lawn of the Sheffield Hillside Theater to enjoy Broadway musicals, Austin style. This year, it's "Disney's Beauty and the Beast," the lavish romantic fantasy complete with fairy-tale costumes and a live orchestra. We recently caught up with Joe Carpenter, technical director for the show.

American-Statesman: What does a technical director do?

Joe Carpenter:My major responsibility is running the crew that builds the sets based on the plans given to me by the set designer. I also help with other aspects of the production as needed and work with the running crew on how to manipulate set pieces for smooth transitions. One unique challenge this year was the tarp instillation over the stage. My crew installed the tarp covering the entire stage prior to starting the set move in and final construction. Of course, as always, there are weather issues on those days. Remember those 30-mile-an-hour wind gusts we had a while back? Well, imagine (working with) a 50-foot-by-30-foot tarp in those winds. We almost took flight a few times.

What's the challenge of outdoor theater?

The monsoon of 2007 slowed us down. This year, we are fighting the 104 degrees in the shade. Also, sitting down (outside) for very long has its disadvantages with the Austin ant population. "Ants in your pants" takes on a completely different meaning.

Your name is Joe Carpenter. Was it you destiny to be on the technical side of the theater profession?

When I worked at the Alley Theater in Houston, the administrative staff made a special trip to the scene shop — which we called "The Dungeon" — to make sure the set crew had not made up a person (named Joe Carpenter) and were just splitting up the extra paycheck. Other than that, (the name) comes in handy. I always know who they are looking for and people tend to remember what I do.

— Jeanne Claire van Ryzin

'Disney's Beauty and the Beast' opens 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Shows continue 8:30 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through Aug. 9 (no show July 4). Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, Zilker Park. Free ($3 parking). Blankets may be laid out on the hillside to reserve your place beginning at 6 p.m. www.zilker.org. 479-9491.