I aimed to enhance the interest of students at Allen ISD in technical theatre and ensure they were better prepared for the upcoming school year. With the assistance of Jeff Turner, the Fine Arts Director, along with fellow directors Renee Harris and Leigh Ann Unkenholz, we established the first technical theatre summer camp in the summer of 2023. To provide optimal instruction, we limited the number of participants to fewer than 50 students. Additionally, we sought support from experts, including Jonathan Pitzer, the Director of Theatre at McKinney Boyd High School, Cameron Hefty, the owner of Proformance Systems, an independent theatre contractor, and Tom Hull, the Technical Director at Collin College, who joined our teaching personnel. Students are organized into groups of eight based on age and experience, rotating through sessions covering Sound, Lighting, Costuming, Hair and Makeup, Rigging, Stagecraft, and Tool Safety. The camp is now in its third year.

Allen ISD Student Technical Theatre Camp