Technical Theatre in the UAC

Sacred Heart Academy offers a technical apprenticeship class for anyone interested. Students from other schools are welcome and the class runs from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Fridays at The Ursuline Arts Center (UAC).

Every week holds a new adventure and performances so there is always something to be built or painted. Technical Director, Gerry Kean, teaches the class techniques and handyman skills for no cost. The class is focused on the Sacred Heart School’s performances but other schools and companies also rent out the theatre for shows and events.

The class is great if you are interested in art and love to build stuff. Mr. Kean works directly with the class to form a plan when a director is in need of sets. After a plan is in place, the class works together to build the sets, paint them, and assemble them.
Creating the sets is only a part of the class. It also includes working shows and events. The class focuses on the Sacred Heart Academy show, this year it was Once Upon A Mattress. For that show, the class used already made sets from previous shows, and repainted them.
One student in the class is assigned Prop Master and his/her job was to bring together the props needed for the performances. The Prop Master manned the prop table during the show and helped the actors and actresses keep track of their props.

Another job that one or two students may be assigned is Sound Technician. Before the show their job is to organize the microphones and assign them to those who need them. This job takes place during the shows with not much prep work. The Sound Technician is responsible for the sound board and the CD ques during the show.

Lighting is a main component to any show. The lighting person is responsible to set the scene before the performers begin. They set ques during rehearsals and are responsible for the light board during the show. They also flicker the lights before an act is about to start. At the UAC, there are two spot lights so students are in charge of the spot lights and following ques. It is their job to get the attention of the audience and draw them in during a performance.

The backstage crew is made up of several students. Their job is very important for a smooth show. They are in charge of changing sets, helping with props, and keeping everyone calm behind the scenes.