Stagecraft is a class at Fair Grove High School that helps support the theater productions that are put on during the school year by building sets. The class is taught and supported by Leroy Barker, the theater, speech, and stagecraft teacher.
“We use Stagecraft for a variety of projects. The overall goal is to teach technical theater skills through practical applications. When we’re close to staging a production, the class works on set, props, costumes, and any other technical needs for that show. Between productions, the class will work on care and maintenance of our theater space and our equipment,” Barker explained.
Since the class helps out with the props and production of the plays, they spend some of their time down in Fair Grove Elementary, where there is a stage where the plays are put on.
Tobie Garcia (12) said, “I do enjoy being a part of stagecraft because I am already involved in the play with acting, but I also get to help with behind the scenes.”
Garcia also explained some of the things they do, whether it be in class or down at the stage. She said, “In class, we get to learn about the different tools called and all the different parts and also learn about the actual stage and how everything works all together.” She continued, “When we are down at the stage, we get a lot of props and sets from the pods outside and put them on the stage to make sure everything fits correctly and flows smoothly.”
Mattilee Wilson (12) said that she also enjoys stagecraft. She explained, “I really enjoy getting to be a part of theater while not having to act.”
Barker said that some of his students have even taken stagecraft multiple times throughout their high school careers.
He also said that he also enjoys stagecraft. Barker explained, “I have always been a fan of technical theater. I worked on shows in high school and college as well as community and professional productions. I enjoy that technical theater offers a lot of opportunities for students to get involved in a production that they may not be comfortable performing in.”
Stagecraft is a class that helps with the productions that are put on, while also teaching the students some valuable life skills, theater production management skills, and much more, according to Barker.
Since the class has a lot to do with building sets, it needs funds to do so. Barker said, “A lot of the work we do in Stagecraft has very little cost as we work with a lot of materials that we already have. Our revenue from our productions provides some budget to cover technical expenses for that show.”
He continued, “While much of the funding is provided through fundraising and donations, I personally fund any need for tools, equipment, or material beyond our budget.”
Wilson also said, “We get some money/material from our boosters.”
Barker stated, “A lot of the skills we use in Stagecraft are valuable skills for students to realize before heading into the independence of adulthood. You never know when you might need to paint a wall or replace a doorknob.”
