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Technical Theater Career Pathway

Technical Theater Career Pathway

About the program

Graduating Senior students with interest or experience in technical theater (ex. stage management, lighting, sound, wardrobe, etc.) are invited to apply for the Technical Theater Career Pathway with a submission of required materials including: headshot, resume and supporting documentation (ex. photos, videos, paperwork, etc.) of their work. An interview and director references will be requested. Select students will be invited to an interview where a panel of theater professionals will determine six (6) Career Pathway Technicians who will be assigned to professional mentors and work on creating Spotlight Showcase and surrounding pre/post show events. The six (6) Career Pathway Technicians have the option to be considered for the Technical Theater New York Experience.

Technical Theater New York Experience

The Technical Theater New York Experience is an all-expenses paid trip to New York, where students observe, meet and train alongside top technical theater professionals. Based on their organization, innovation and collaboration on Spotlight Showcase, two (2) students of the six (6) Career Pathway Technicians are awarded the Technical Theater New York Experience.

Technical Theater Career Pathway and New York Experience Calendar 2023*

Submissions

  • March 13 – April 3: Round 1 – Submission Window
  • April 10: Round 2 invites extended
  • April 15: Round 2 – Virtual Interviews (invite only)
  • April 21: Technical Theater Career Pathway 2023 technicians announced

Rehearsals and Production Meetings

  • May 22, 4 – 5 p.m.: Production meeting (virtual)
  • May 30, 4 – 8 p.m.: Meeting and rehearsal
  • June 3, 12 – 6 p.m.: Technician project
  • June 4, 12 – 6 p.m.: Technician project
  • June 5, 12 – 6 p.m.: Production meeting, mentor time and rehearsal 
  • June 6, 4 – 8 p.m.: Rehearsal
  • June 7, 4 – 8 p.m.: Rehearsal

Load-In / Tech / Dress Rehearsal / Showcase Performances / After Party

  • June 8, 2 – 9 p.m.: Load-in at State Theatre
  • June 10, TBA: Tech
  • June 11, TBA: Tech
  • June 12: Showcase #1
    • 1:30 p.m.: Call Time
    • 2 p.m.: Dress Rehearsal 
    • 5:30 – 7 p.m.: Dinner
    • 7 p.m.: Half-hour Call 
    • 7:30 p.m.: Showcase #1
    • Immediately following: After Party
  • June 13: Showcase #2
    • 1:30 p.m.: Call Time
    • 2 p.m.: Dress Rehearsal 
    • 5:30 – 7 p.m.: Dinner
    • 7 p.m.: Half-hour Call 
    • 7:30 p.m.: Showcase #2
    • Immediately following: After Party

New York Experience**

  • June 24 – 29: Technical Theater New York Experience

*All events take place in-person in Downtown Minneapolis unless otherwise stated. Attendance Policy: Students must have no conflicts with the dates listed above. Only mandatory school-related conflicts (including graduation or graduation required-events) will be excused.

**Students must have no conflicts during the New York Experience dates to be eligible. 

Round 1 – Submission period

Applications for Technical Theater Career Pathway 2023 have closed. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

Students will submit the following materials to be reviewed by the Technical Theater Career Pathway Submission Panel. At this time, students will also have the option to opt-in to being considered for the Technical Theater New York Experience. Invites will be extended to a limited number of students to advance to Round 2 – Virtual Interviews. All students will receive feedback from the submission panelists on their initial submission to further their educational and artistic growth. Round 1 submission materials include:

  • Headshot (or portrait photo) 
  • Technical theater resume 
  • Examples of technical work, including, but not limited to: Images of work, video of a product, a prompt book, props list, or other supporting documentation
  • Short answer questions:
    • In 500 words or less, please describe your technical background, experience in your school theater program/theater productions, and how you think your resume/portfolio is representative of your experience.
    • In 200 words or less, describe the impact that technical theater has had on your life.

Round 2 – Interviews

Select students from Round 1 will be invited to a virtual interview with the submission panel. Director references will be contacted at this time. Students will sign up for an interview timeslot and come prepared to talk about their portfolios and to answer any questions about their technical theater experience or their submission. The six (6) Career Pathway Technicians will be announced at the specified date each season. 

What does Spotlight Education look for in a Career Pathway Technician?

  • Skill and willingness to grow in area of technical theater
  • Preparedness
  • Communication
  • Timeliness
  • Organization
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Collaboration
  • Emotional preparedness
  • Leadership in high school theater program
  • Diverse experience