Stage 6 History (cont'd)

While most sound stages were built with a rectangular plan, Stage 6 remains to this day the only stage built as tall as it was narrow, and in a perfect square. At 97 feet tall and 80 feet by 80 feet in width and depth, the reason for its unusual shape is unknown although it may have been conceptualized as an experimental building during one of the most influential eras of technological change in filmmaking.

Stage 6 was unique not only because of its unusual dimensions and attractive architectural style, but because it was constructed to fulfill dual roles, both as a sound stage and a "fly-away" stage, where backdrop scenery could be flown through a “fly gallery” similar to large theatrical stages.

Between Stage 6 and Stage 5 were a removable door and a proscenium arch. With the door removed, the two stages served as the perfect locale to recreate a realistic theater stage for the many musicals filmed there, complete with the "fly-away" backdrops on Stage 6, orchestra pits, upholstered seats, boxes and balconies. A director’s podium – a soundproof, three-sided, bay-like structure – was suspended in the corner of Stage 6 where the director could direct the performers on stage and stay out of view of the cameras.

Another interesting feature of Stage 6 was its removable floor which covered a large tank. A variety of angles and stage depths could be utilized during filming when the stage floor was raised and lowered, permitting the camera to be mobile and allow for more rhythmic, choreographed images, especially useful during production of musicals.