NEYT Receives Tech Theatre Grants

BRATTLEBORO - New England Youth Theatre was the recipient recently of three grants in support of its technical theatre program for the 2008-09 year. The National Endowment for the Arts awarded NEYT $18,000, and the Vermont Arts Council granted $4,600 to subsidize the cost of hiring scenic artists to work with students in the program. The A.D. Henderson Foundation partially matched those grants with an award of $15,000.
    Building on its highly successful acting program, NEYT’s technical theatre program teaches students the behind-the-scenes aspects of producing a full-scale show. “We wanted to offer an opportunity to those kids who want to be a part of New England Youth Theatre and could really benefit from being here, but don’t necessarily want to be on stage” says Artistic Director Stephen Stearns, “the tech program meets many of these kid’s needs, providing a creative outlet in a safe, after-school environment.”
    The program began with the December 2007 production of Guys and Dolls, and when the curtain rose, the set itself received a rousing round of applause. Students worked with professional scenic designer Larry Lawlor and Technical Director Rick Barron to design, build and paint the magnificent street scene from 1940s New York. Students also designed and ran the lighting and sound for the show under the tutelage of Jerry Stockman. Costumes and props were created under the direction of Sandy Klein, and students managed all aspects of the show during its 12-performance run.
     Since Guys and Dolls, NEYT has been further developing its tech program, engaging students from ages 11 to 18 who are interested in carpentry, set building, design, painting, costuming, lighting, sound, hair and make-up. The program is “hands-on”, as each session runs in conjunction with a show’s rehearsal and production schedule. “Students aren’t just building a set in a vacuum,” explains Barron, “they are meeting with the director, finding out the needs of that particular show, and designing, creating and building a set that will be used in performances.”
    Now starting its second year, the program welcomes beginning students as well as those returning for another year. Tech students meet after school and occasional weekends during the 6-week production of a show. Many shows are scheduled throughout the year and in the summer. More information about the technical theatre program and photos from past shows is online at www.neyt.org. Development Director Carlotta Cuerdon points out that part of the grant money received for the tech program is to help fund tuition for students in need. Questions about financial assistance and registration can be answered by calling the NEYT office at 246-NEYT.