mbandgeek said:back on topic now, Does anyone know a great technical theater school?
I think you need to know more about what you want to do before I can answer that question. Just running sound and light boards isn't much of a career... it's rare for an operator to make a real living. If you want a good shot at a career you need to focus more on some sort of design. I bet close to half the people on this board who have a professional career in theater don't have an advanced tech theater degree. So you really aren’t asking the right question here. You need to know more about yourself and what you want first.
Personally, I do tech for a community college. I have a Masters in Education degree and high school teaching certification but no theater degree. I learned all my tech by volunteering hundreds of hours in college to work with an old guy who knew everything under the sun about theater. I then went on to teach high school drama and trained myself on things I didn't know. Asking friends in the theater world for help when I needed it.
Currently, at the college we've been talking about creating a theater certification program. I've talked to a lot of local professionals about it and the reaction I've gotten is very mixed. I had the head prop person at one of the largest theaters in the region say, "If you're going to try to become a professional designer or T.D. you don't want to waste your time getting a degree. You need to get out there and get to work." I've had other people tell me that the only way to go is to get your Masters of Fine Arts degree. I've been told a college certification program is great because it would give students a solid starting point. I've also been told it's a waste of time as what you need to do is go find a local community there with a good tech to train you and volunteer like crazy.
So, what does all this mean? Well I definitely would advise you pursue the degree route. However, you may stumble across someone who will train you much better than any degree. If you find that person, the degree may not be necessary. There's a lot of luck involved in working in theater. Half of having a career is how hard you work, your attitude, and who you know. Network my young friend. I got my current job because someone from the college called a friend of mine asking for some tech help, he said, "I'm too busy but I know a guy..." A former student of mine got a great job doing dance club lighting with a Whole Hog and a ton of really cool intelligent lighting because she called up and asked if they ever needed volunteer help.
Starting today, find a local community theater and volunteer to help the guy in the shop build sets. Prove yourself responsible. NEVER be afraid to ask how to do something. NEVER assume you know it all... always ask "how do you want this done?" People in theater HATE know it alls. Always assume that the other person knows something you don't. Have the right attitude and you will learn a lot. In my area, there are lots of theaters who are always looking for someone to run sound or lights. Volunteer and once they know you ask to help the person who does their design work.
After you've done that a while you will know enough to be able to ask the right question here. Good luck.