High School Student

[SuncoastTech]

I'm the TD at my school, and am looking into expanding tech at my school so we can have new students. 90% of our crew left this year as seniors, so there's only about 3 people left who know how to run the theatre at our school. I joined because there seems to be a ton of information here, and I could really use your guys' help in helping me expand tech to get more members and put on better shows. Personally, I specialize in audio design, but I oversee lighting and stage mangement.

[MNicolai]

Easier said than done, but create the most welcoming environment you can where expectations are high, there are rewards for success, and where errors are thought of as teachable moments, not disappointments.

The trickiest part is getting people to care nearly as much as you do -- it probably won't happen. A lot of people are there for a plethora of different reasons. Die-hard technicians, cast members who didn't get a role but wanted to help out, students who just enjoy it, friends of cast members who have very little interest in tech. Not everyone will commit as much as everyone else, nor is it reasonable to expect that they will. If you can align everyone to a common goal, then you're on a good path.

Of absolute greatest importance is to avoid at all costs a "Failure is not an option" attitude. Failure is always an option, and when people fear it instead of embrace it, they cover up mistakes instead of trying to learn from them.

This is all much easier said that done though.

[derekleffew]

Welcome, SuncoastTech. See these threads: Theater getting big, finally. , my high school needs more student techs! , recruiting , Late hours, early mornings. How'd you get into it and why? . Consensus seems to be to throw a pizza party. But seriously, student need to be exposed to the backstage workings--many/most don't even know it exists. "Lights, sound, and scenery always just magically appear on GLEE and other shows; isn't that the way it works?" Cultivate those who express interest.

-----

Unsolicited advice: Don't title yourself Technical Director or TD.
1. It's not a clear, well-defined term, and in the industry can mean many different things to different people.
2. Some professional "real" TD's, those working at LORT theatres, may take offense at a student using the title.
"Head Student Tech" or "Lead Stage Tech" is just as good, and probably more descriptive and meaningful.
However, King/Queen of the Booth Complex is to be avoided. (The complex itself, not the discussion thread.)