![\"kevin-katan-sd-stage-manager-courtesy-chase-angelo-dean\"](\"https:\/\/lamesacourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Kevin-Katan-SD-Stage-Manager-courtesy-Chase-Angelo-Dean.jpg\")
<\/a>Working on \u201cToruk\u201d has given Katan more appreciation for the cinematic science fiction epic. He admires the theme about how the humanoids known as the Na\u2019vi are connected with their planet. That message is reflected in the live adventure.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt tells an important story about how you can lose your connection with the environment,\u201d he said. \u201cThe tale is a very universal one.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a stage manager, he has to make sure the performers are safe.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a very physical production for the artists,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
On an artistic level, he helps make sure that the content of the story doesn\u2019t change at the numerous theaters.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis includes the timing of the cues, the visual elements and having the artists in the right position,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
One of Katan\u2019s favorite scenes uses kites to symbolize different creatures from the planet, Pandora.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe artists run to create their own air current,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s been a technical challenge for us to monitor air flow so we can make the act come across as seamless. Working on this sequence has been really rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n
Katan was lucky enough to meet some of the biggest names associated with \u201cAvatar.\u201d Cameron came to Louisiana during early rehearsals before opening to share his thoughts and input. The successful filmmaker watched the official premiere in Montreal and again in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was very happy and had nothing, but praise for us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In addition, Zoe Saldana also watched \u201cToruk\u201d in L.A. Katan respected how much she enjoyed seeing Na\u2019vi clan members onstage.<\/p>\n
At the moment, Katan plans on only focusing on his work as stage manager of \u201cToruk.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m glad that I get to be working on this project right now,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s been a real blessing working with this group.\u201d<\/p>\n
In spite of his busy schedule, Katan still makes time to visit La Mesa and spent Thanksgiving week with his family here, including his \u201cmom and grandmas\u201d who still live here.<\/p>\n