Imagine watching a theater or music performance without a set, without costumes or make-up, and without lights. All of these are essential elements of any stage production. Each helps to visually tie an entire production together. Each helps create an atmosphere, set the mood, control the pace, and enhance the emotion of any performance.

Miramonte added an exciting hands-on class to the Theater Department course selection this year - Stagecraft - that introduces students to all aspects of the production process. Offered to all grade levels, Stagecraft asks students to collaborate and problem solve as they build and design the sets, props, and costumes to accompany Miramonte stage performances. Taught by Heather Cousins, stagecraft is the ideal class for those students who are interested in being part of the creative process, but may not necessarily seek the spotlight itself.

Stagecraft students have an opportunity to work with state of the art technology systems, and this year, thanks in large part to EFO funding, students have learned the ins and outs of a brand new lighting system that is set to debut with the first performance of this year's Spring musical, "The Addams Family". Photographed from left to right are Serena Siow (sophomore), Erin Tarasow (freshman) and Sienna Markey (junior).

The new system has truly revolutionized the role of the lighting tech crew with many functions that were previously adjusted manually now being computer-controlled. In fact, an entire show's lighting can now be programmed on the computer and saved for future reference. Multiple options for colored lighting can now be arranged with the stroke of a keyboard instead of placing colored cells by hand in front of individual lights. The new spotlights are now computer-controlled instead of requiring crew members to climb up a catwalk and operate the lights by hand. And, of course, the new lights are LED and won't need to be changed for another thirty years!