With new dual-credit technical theater, directing, and costume construction classes alongside the new dual-credit acting classes, the 600 hall is booming.
“We offer almost enough classes to get a minor degree, so you could just go to college and just have to add one more class,” head director Lisa Newton said.
Freshmen and seniors alike are taking everything from Theater 1 to Advanced Student Directing. Student directors Kaylynn Sharp and Emma Sharp are experimenting with solo directing with the JV and freshman companies, along with assisting with the directing of the fall musical, “Cinderella.”
“I think it’s interesting to see that there are a lot of different sides to making a production happen, and the director’s entire point is to bring the vision together,” senior Kaylynn Sharp said. “I thought it would be interesting to try that myself.”
Along with the Theatrical Design class is Costume Construction. Students learn basic sewing techniques, assist in creating ensemble costumes, and may even serve a role with individual design for Theatrical Design.
“I joined this class because I was very interested in the world and industry of fashion, and have considered it as a career in the future,” senior Jared Thrash said. “Also, I wanted to advance my skills in sewing and designing.”
The final additions to the theater courses are the new scenic design and advanced technical theater classes. In the past, technical theater has been lumped together with Encore and Bravo periods or seen as a last-fill spot. Now, students can start from the bottom and specialize in light, sound, or set design.
“It enables us to be able to introduce more variety, and not rely so much on people who just want to perform to also try and do tech-related fields,” technical director Eric Cox said.
With the addition of these classes, Curtain Call Productions becomes one of the few electives to offer dual credit courses. However, transitions like these aren’t always easy, and classes can be difficult to find, implement, and fill.
“I’m super excited. It’s always a challenge when you add new classes, but I’m very excited to be able to offer these opportunities to our students,” Mrs. Newton said.