Fanshawe theatre hits the putting green

Over the past three months, Fanshawe students in St. Thomas have been painting, rigging and building their way to opening night.

As part of their curriculum, each semester 44 first and second-year Theatre Arts Technical Production students are required to design, organize and construct an entire stage production, which involves lighting, carpentry, scenic painting, sound, special effects and stage management.

Mini Putt“We try to cover as much as what happens behind the scenes in the theatre production industry,” said Kathy Gerber, Program Administer, Producer and Co-Production Manager.

During their two-year diploma program, students learn hands on, practical production methods, where the end result is an actual play where they can witness the fruits of their labour and learning.

This term the students are putting on a comedy called Mini-Putt, written by Canadian Simon Joynes. The story follows the lives of a group of people who are all connected through a dilapidated mini-putt golf course.

“It's really strange in the workforce, a lot of the time tech crews don't have anything to do with the actors,” Gerber said. “We try to get students to interact with the actors, just so they know what actors are like.”

At the beginning of each semester, technical production students can choose between the many disciplines that are involved behind the scenes. First-year students are considered crew, while they learn from the second-year veterans who are appointed as chief crew.

“They choose the one [production discipline] they have the most interest in or that they find the most challenging.”

Although teamwork is the most important aspect of the course, students also learn the responsibility of abiding by strict deadlines.

The Theatre Arts Technical Production program is going into its 10th year at the St. Thomas campus.

Mini-Putt will be performed at the St. Thomas campus of Fanshawe College on November 24, 25 and 26 as well as December 1, 2 and 3 at 8pm. Matinees will also be performed on November 26 and 27. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. For more information call 633-4424.