TECHNICAL THEATRE

Technical Theater, also known as stagecraft, is the art form encompassing all aspects of creating a staged production that do not directly relate to acting or directing.

It includes the design, construction, and implementation of all scenic, audio/visual, and wardrobe elements for a show.

Students can sign up for every main-stage production to be a member of our crew.

Students auditioning for cast may also fill out a crew form, it will not impact your consideration for cast in any way.

Crew applications will be open several weeks before rehearsals start and will be accepted until the last day of auditions.

Students must fill out the form for each show they wish to be involved in.

Tech Theater is divided into individual crews, or departments, based on personal interests and skills. Each crew will be assigned a crew leader who reports to the tech director to make sure projects are progressing and all target goals are met.

Stage Management

The Stage Manager is responsible for facilitating rehearsal by assisting the director. They keep track of important information such as what scenic pieces, props, etc are needed in each scene, as well as where actors are in each scene and what needs to be done to get the show off the ground.

During performances, the Stage Manager calls all 'cues,' and alongside one or more assistants keeps the show moving forward.

Carpentry

Carpenters work directly under the tech director, using design/construction drawings to build the scenery. In addition to woodworking, carpenters also may be involved in using other materials to make pieces look like the finished product, such as foam, fabric, or plastics.

Paint

Painters use a myriad of tools to make all scenic elements look like they should. In addition to flat colors, we will utilize different techniques to transform lumber visually into any other material. Marble, rusted metal, and yes, often to look like other types of wood.

Lighting

Theatrical lighting is used to set the mood of a scene. Using color, texture, and intensity, we can express time, location, and direct the audience's attention towards important action.

Sound

Sound effects are a critical aspect of tech theater. In addition to the obvious ones, underscoring and background noise can be effective in creating an immersive experience for the viewers.

Video

Increasingly, stagecraft now employs  projections to assist in storytelling. Additionally, the video team may also use cameras and specialized equipment to record videos of productions.

Properties

Props include furniture and all items actors enter with or interact with onstage. This team will source objects from our storage areas, determine what needs to be purchased, and use whatever clever ideas they can to build some of the most interesting objects a show calls for.

Costumes

Similar to props, the costumes crew will pull clothing from our costumes collection, coordinate actors getting the correct look and feel for each scene, and proper maintenance of all garments and worn items used during the course of a production.

Hair & Make-up

While on the surface similar to what you may think, live theater requires some unusual methods of hair care and cosmetic application to simulate actors portraying certain ages or situations which may differ from that of the performer entirely.

Special Effects

Many stage productions have very specific needs that don't fall into any other category particularly well. Fog, haze, snow are some of the obvious effects, but any magical trickery we need the audience to believe will also fall under this department's purview.