The Stagecraft Career and Technical Education program at Gilbert Public Schools is not just about theater; it's about developing valuable skills that are applicable in the real world, regardless of a student’s future career path.

The comprehensive program goes beyond traditional classroom learning, offering students an opportunity to explore the world of theatrical and event production.

The Stagecraft CTE program is a two-year program designed to nurture creativity and equip students with the technical expertise needed to bring events to life. The program teaches students the various facets of stagecraft, offering an understanding of the components that make live events possible.

From the intricate details of set design and lighting to learning the value of teamwork and critical thinking, the Stagecraft program provides students with the knowledge and skills that set them up for future success.It is offered at four high schools: Campo Verde, Desert Ridge, Gilbert and Highland.

The Stagecraft CTE program is a hands-on experience that immerses students in the practical realities of live event production. From theatrical and musical performances to speeches and discussions — if an event features individuals on stage, students in the Stagecraft CTE play a critical role in ensuring it runs smoothly.

In the program, students learn to manipulate light and sound in a way that adds depth and emotion to the event, enhancing the overall audience experience.

For theatrical productions, students additionally participate in set design and construction, building visually captivating sets that can range in size, sometimes reaching multiple stories in height.

While honing their technical skills in various aspects of stagecraft, students also develop valuable "soft skills" crucial for success in diverse settings. They learn to work effectively in teams, hold each other accountable, think critically to solve problems and adapt to unexpected challenges.

"The Stagecraft program is more than just learning technical skills," said Jenelle Riordan, the Stagecraft CTE teacher at Desert Ridge High School. "It's a creative outlet for students who are looking to do something different from traditional classroom learning,

“Students get to work on a lot of different tasks, and they see the final product come together on stage. This hands-on experience is incredibly rewarding, and it reminds us why keeping arts programs in schools is so important for student development."

Although this program does include some traditional coursework, students in the Stagecraft CTE program spend the majority of their time outside of the classroom working on numerous projects to ensure the school’s 8-10 events per quarter run smoothly. That allows students to embrace their creativity and problem-solving skills by tackling real-world challenges in event production.

Students are also exposed to many different types of skills, which can open the door to numerous career paths including event production, woodworking, and more!

“This program teaches a lot of valuable skills about communication and teamwork," Desert Ridge junior Neva Ratkovich said. " You’re able to take charge in projects and learn from your mistakes. I’ve refound what I want to do in my career, and it’s opened my eyes to so many possibilities.”

A freshman at Desert Ridge said the people in the program are understanding.

"Some of the tasks may seem daunting at first, but it gets really fun and we get to use a lot of cool equipment," the freshman said.

Added a sophomore at Desert Ridge: “This class is like a fine art that’s not an instrument. You’re always on your feet, you work a lot with your hands, and you really learn to problem solve.”

The Stagecraft CTE program offers an opportunity for students to combine their creativity with technical expertise while fostering essential skills that benefit them on and off the stage.

Those interested in learning more about the Stagecraft CTE program can visit GilbertSchools.net/CTE.