DHS Technical Theatre
Bringing Stories to Life Behind the Scenes
Our ProgramShining a Light on Roles Behind the Spotlight
The Technical Theatre program at Decatur High School gives students the opportunity to explore the creative and technical side of performance by designing and building the world audiences experience on stage. Under the guidance of the Directors, students collaborate on every production, transforming ideas into reality through hands-on work in design, construction, technology, and production management. From the first concept to the final curtain, Tech Theatre students play an essential role in creating the atmosphere, characters, and environments that bring each story to life.
Hair and Makeup students help bring characters to life by creating designs that support the story, time period, and artistic vision of each production. Students learn techniques in styling, special effects, and character transformation while collaborating with performers and the production team to ensure every detail enhances the audience’s experience.
Hair & Makeup
Costume Design students use creativity, research, and technical skills to develop wardrobes that reflect characters, themes, and the world of the production. From concept development to construction and organization, students learn how costumes help tell a story and reveal important details about each character.
Costume Design
Stage Management students serve as the organizational leaders behind each production, coordinating communication between cast, crew, and creative teams. Students develop skills in planning, scheduling, problem-solving, and running rehearsals and performances to ensure every production operates smoothly from the first rehearsal to the final curtain.
Stage Management
Lighting Design students use technology, color, and creativity to shape the mood and visual storytelling of each performance. Students learn how to design and operate lighting systems that highlight performers, create atmosphere, and guide the audience’s focus throughout a production.
Lighting Design
Set Design students create the physical world of each production, transforming concepts and ideas into immersive environments for the stage. Through design, construction, and collaboration, students explore how scenery, architecture, and visual elements establish the setting, mood, and atmosphere that transport audiences into the story.
Set Design
Props students bring authenticity and detail to each production by designing, creating, sourcing, and managing the objects used on stage. Students explore how props support storytelling, define characters, and enhance the overall visual experience while developing skills in craftsmanship, organization, and problem-solving.
Props
Sound Design students create the audio experience that supports and enhances each production. Through music, sound effects, microphones, and technical operation, students learn how sound influences storytelling while developing skills in audio equipment, design, and live performance support.
Sound Design
Emily Nichols, Director
Raven Owen-Beyers, Director
Chris Davis, Set Designer
Chris is a social studies teacher at DHS but has been designing sets for our theater program for the last ten years.
