Courses

TECHNICAL THEATER COURSES

What is Technical Theater?

Technical Theater is all the behind the scenes aspects for putting on a show.  It encompasses lights, sound, costumes, makeup, props, set, and paint.  After school tech also includes hair.

The progression is as follows:

• In Beginning Technical Theater, students will have the opportunity to learn about the basics for all the aspects of technical theater.  Students will learn both the vocabulary necessary to communicate about the different aspects and all the steps in putting a show on stage.  They will also be taught essential safety procedures and operating procedures for the times when they employ power tools. 

• Students in Intermediate Technical Theater will go more in depth with aspects the class is interested in studying as well as spending more time on play production skills by working on that semester’s show during class.  

• Tech Crew is an application based two semester class which is listed as Proficient Technical Theater on transcripts and students who take this course earn honors credit both semesters.  There are two ways to be eligible to apply to take this course:

1. Students who have taken Beginning Technical Theater and held a leadership position for a show 

OR 

2. Students who have completed Intermediate Technical Theater may apply.  

In this class, students will practice the skills they have learned in previous classes and also have an opportunity to learn about and practice designing for a play or musical of their choice (with Ms. Wrayno’s approval).  

Fall Show & Spring Musical

In order to offer students an opportunity to experience real theatre, the department also has two school wide productions - traditionally a fall play and a spring musical.  All technical theater students are required to spend time after school working on each production per quarter with the required number of hours increasing with the higher level courses.  There are two ways that they may work on a production: by being cast as an actor or by being on a crew for the show (lights, sound, makeup, costumes, hair, props, set, paint, and/or house).  

Can I still work on the shows even if I don’t get into a Technical Theater class or can’t fit it in my schedule?

Absolutely!  Cast and crew positions for the play and musical are open to all students, regardless if they are currently enrolled in a theatre class.  Students should check the school calendar and/or listen to the announcements for when the after school crew sign up meeting is each semester.  They may also email or come see Ms. Wrayno at the start of the school year and get a copy of the important theater dates sheet that lists all major events for the whole school year.

Can I contact you with other questions I may have?

Sure! E-mail me at jwrayno@wcpss.net