BackSTAGES is Theatre Woodstock's ongoing backstage and production skills development program, designed to help youth and adults discover the many roles that make theatre possible. Through practical learning, mentorship, and hands-on experience, participants will develop skills, confidence, and connections within their community.
The program will encompass technical theatre, backstage operations, producing, stage management, and creative leadership. Its initial phase will establish portable lighting and sound equipment, five large-screen iPads for digital lighting and sound training, and a structured approach to preparing experienced practitioners to teach and mentor others.
The first phase will deliver introductory four-session lighting and sound training series. Participants will have opportunities to learn through demonstration, guided practice, and supervised practical experience.
As the program grows, learning pathways will include producing, including production planning, costumes and props; stage management; directing; and, when community interest and instructor availability allow, choreography and music direction.
BackSTAGES is intended to be an ongoing community learning initiative rather than a one-time workshop series. The initial investment will establish equipment and training resources that can support future annual programming and strengthen community theatre for years to come.
Community theatre depends on people with a range of skills, including lighting, sound, producing, stage management, and creative leadership. Much of the practical knowledge needed to deliver productions rests with a relatively small number of experienced volunteers. This can create pressure on those individuals and limit opportunities for others to learn and contribute.
BackSTAGES will help address this need by creating accessible pathways for youth and adults to learn from experienced practitioners, develop practical skills, and become more confident participants in community theatre.
The program will welcome people who are already involved with Theatre Woodstock as well as community members who are new to the organization. It will create opportunities for learning, mentorship, collaboration, and connection while helping build a broader and more sustainable pool of people able to contribute to local arts and culture.
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Theatre Woodstock’s Backstages Program is a great and fun way to learn teamwork.
I strongly support Theatre Woodstock’s BackSTAGES program. Theatre can have an incredibly positive impact on young people, helping them build confidence, improve communication skills, express themselves creatively, work as a team, and develop lasting friendships. Learning from experienced mentors while gaining practical skills creates opportunities for personal growth and a sense of belonging. This is a wonderful investment in our youth and the future of our community!
I fully support BackSTAGES! A fantastic investment in local youth, practical skills, mentorship, and the future of community theatre in Woodstock.
This program is so important to our theatre community! Having a space for our young people to learn the ins and outs of tech theatre is such a gift!
Community theatre is so much more than what happens on stage. It’s the dedicated people behind the scenes who bring every production to life. BackSTAGES creates opportunities to share knowledge, mentor new talent, build confidence, and develop skills in the next generation. By supporting our volunteers and welcoming new faces, we’re investing in the future of Theatre Woodstock and ensuring the magic of community theatre continues for generations to come!
Community theatre is so much more than the stage! BackSTAGES builds skills, shares knowledge, inspires new talent and strengthens the future of Theatre Wdstk.
Theatre is a magical place that encourages creativity, imagination, belonging, teamwork, skill development, leadership, all while bringing communities together.