![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
The spotlight illuminates the performers on the stage, capturing the audience’s attention. But behind the scenes lies a hidden realm full of bustling activity. In tech theater, students embrace a variety of roles, with each production serving as a canvas for displaying their creativity and skills.
“When I’m teching, I really enjoy that I don’t just do the same thing over and over again,” tech theater Certificate candidate Lea Kandl-Zhang (10) said. “There’s building, designing light and sound and deck crew. Especially because everyone is there for you, trying new things is not that nerve-wracking.”
Lea initially joined the Conservatory program with a theater focus, but while completing her required crew work for the Certificate requirement, tech theater piqued her interest. Her first experience was on the deck crew, where she managed set changes during performances but has since learned to also construct sets and operate spotlights.
Technical theater encompasses the behind-the-scenes work of putting on a production, including creating costumes, lighting, sound, scenery and props. Students must can start learning production skills as early as the after-school program at the lower school. To gain a broader understanding of all aspects of technical theater, high school students can take the Study of Technical Theater course. After taking part in a few productions, members then choose to specialize in a specific sector.
The staff on the crew encourage students to branch out in the different aspects, providing guidance every step of the way. Assistant technical director Aren Olson helps arrange performances ranging from the kindergarten show to the high school spring musical. They share their experience working in a school environment, which includes instructing students while also receiving continual support from other staff members.
“In a professional theater, it’s not always the same group of people doing every show,” Olson said. “But here, it’s the same core team that is the full-time production staff, which has a nice consistency to it. I like working with kids because for them, it’s hard, and then finally, something clicks, and they get it. I love seeing that transformation.”
Production manager Brian Larsen developed his interest in technical theater during college and ultimately pursued it as a full-time job. When he started working at Harker 28 years ago, he operated with scarce tools and resources. The construction of the new Patil Theater six years ago allowed him and his team to take on creative risks and create more opportunities for students to learn.
“As we’ve grown into this space, we’ve begun to realize we’ve got these tools available,” Larsen said. “Opening night for ‘42nd Street’ in 2018 was just magical because we finally had all the pieces in place. We had an orchestra pit, and we got multiple things that can fly and move and scenes that can come on and off.”
Senior Certificate candidate Cindy Yu came into tech theater knowing the path she wanted to take: she fulfills her passion for sewing by working in the costumes department, choosing and altering garments for performances.
“I’m mostly interested in the wardrobe and the costumes, so I get to work on that each time,” Cindy said. “It’s nice to be in an environment where everyone is working towards a shared goal of making sure the show happens well.”
To deepen their involvement in tech theater, students have the option to participate in the Conservatory Certificate Program. Certificate graduate Maggie Yan (‘24) joined the crew in fourth grade and explored positions like stage manager before finding her passion in running the light board. Under the guidance of theater technician specialist Natti Pierce-Thomson, Maggie designed and ran the Senior Showcase lights on her own in her senior year. Despite being away from the spotlight, Maggie acknowledges the indispensable role of the backstage team within the performing arts department.
“To everyone else, it can seem boring because part of it is just sitting there,” Maggie said. “But other parts make up for it — getting to be a part of the production and knowing that I helped. A lot of my friends are actors, so being able to support the people I know is very close to me.”
Once all these parts of tech theater are put together, a full production can be put on. Larsen recalls the tech crew’s effort in preparing for last year’s spring musical, “The Wedding Singer.” From building the movable 1980s-themed set to controlling lights and sound during the performance, many students on the team entered new roles and acquired new skills.
“It’s amazing to watch that growth in the students,” Larsen said. “The week before, they were a little bumpy. By the time we got to Thursday night, everything was flowing. I was so impressed because they were really on top of it, and it was great to watch them get to a point where it was seamless.”
The tech crew is a close community that extends beyond productions. Junior Certificate candidate Justin Yang, who joined the tech theater program in middle school, highlights the friendships he formed on the team, bonding even during the meals before and after performances.
“One of the memorable moments was when we built these angel wings for a brief moment in a play,” Justin said. “It was a great experience working with other crew members that I never would’ve met, and I got to meet a lot of new friends.”
Tech theater offers many avenues for people who seek to make an impact from behind the curtains. Olson draws from their past as a tech theater student in their new connections with current students in the program.
“I remember having those moments in school where it was my elective that brought me joy and fulfilled my purpose as a human being,” Olson said. “Not everybody who wants to be involved in theater wants to be on stage, so by doing what I do, I can facilitate those people who can find their passion.”
