Being a Technician

When putting on theater productions, everyone sees the actors performing on the stage, but there is so much more to a stage production than the actors. Being a technician is about everything else that you do not see that makes the production a success.

For a CHS theater production, there are typically two overarching groups: Build Crew and Run Crew. Those groups are broken down into smaller crews focused on specific technical elements, like Set, Props, Lighting, Sound, Costumes, Hair, and Make-up. When you join Tech Crew, you are automatically a part of Build Crew and you have the opportunity to choose which smaller crew you'd like to work with. The group you choose will determine your time commitment. Usually you can count on putting in three-hour sessions two-three times a week with the occasional Saturday work call.

As Tech week approaches, which is when all technical, performing, and instrumental aspects of the production come together, the Run Crew is determined. The Run Crew is a group of students who are responsible for the running of the show: doing scene changes, doing hair and make-up for actors, operating the spotlights, running the boards, assisting with Front of House, etc. Run Crew requires an increase in time commitment and requirement to be at all tech rehearsals and shows. These time commitments will require students to be at the theater from after school until at least 9:00 P.M.

The first week of meetings at the beginning of the production is required for everyone as this is when safety orientation takes place. Safety orientation is mandatory for technicians. If you are not there, you will not be allowed to work.