Technical Theater
The Technical Theater Program prepares students for the creative, technical, and managerial careers that make live theatre, concerts, dance performances, film, television, and entertainment productions possible. Students learn that successful productions depend not only on performers but also on highly trained artists and technicians working behind the scenes.
Students receive hands-on instruction in scenic design and construction, lighting, sound, costumes, properties, stage management, production management, theatrical drafting, backstage operations, and production technology.
Beginning students learn theatre terminology, backstage organization, tool identification, equipment use, production safety, script analysis, design principles, and collaborative production practices. Safety is emphasized throughout the program, with students receiving appropriate instruction and supervision before operating tools, electrical equipment, rigging systems, or other technical equipment.
In scenic design and construction, students explore drafting, measurement, scale, construction techniques, painting, textures, scenic art, and the process of transforming a designer’s concept into a physical environment.
Lighting instructions may include lighting instruments, color, angle, intensity, electricity fundamentals, hanging and focusing procedures, lighting consoles, cue development, and basic lighting design.
Sound instruction may include microphones, speakers, mixers, playback systems, recording, sound effects, audio editing, reinforcement, and sound design.
Costume and properties instruction introduces students to costume concepts, wardrobe organization, basic sewing, costume maintenance, prop construction, research, and visual storytelling.
Stage management develops organizational and leadership skills through rehearsal documentation, prompt books, schedules, communication systems, cue calling, production meetings, and coordination among directors, designers, technicians, and performers.
Students apply their skills by serving on production crews for plays, musicals, concerts, dance performances, assemblies, and special events. Advanced students may assume positions such as stage manager, assistant stage manager, lighting designer, sound designer, scenic designer, master electrician, wardrobe supervisor, props supervisor, or crew chief.
Students may also develop technical portfolios containing drafting samples, production photographs, design concepts, cue sheets, prompt-book materials, and reflections on completed productions.
Potential career pathways: stage manager, production manager, scenic designer, lighting designer, sound designer, costume designer, technical director, carpenter, scenic artist, props artisan, master electrician, audio engineer, production technician, event technician, film/television production professional, and arts administrator.