The Stage Theatre Makerspace
students assemble a stage flat during asc’s 2019 theatre tech workshop.
The Stage Theatre Makerspace uses performing arts as a platform to develop 21st-century skills and enhance STEAM education.
Building upon the Arts & Science Center’s established STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programming foundation, The Stage takes a holistic approach to theatre by engaging students in all aspects of theatre: directing, acting, playwriting, scenery construction, costume design, light and sound design, stage management, playbill design, and marketing and promotion of productions. All components are considered STEAM learning. By incorporating technology, students learn coding and circuitry for scenery special effects, audio and film for documenting, and basic graphic design.
ASC Theatre Education Coordinator helps a student insert a colored gel into a stage lighting fixture during asc’s 2019 theatre tech workshop.
Involving youth in community arts programs provides opportunity to cultivate civic engagement; develop practical and personal skills instrumental in academic and career success (such as creative thinking, self-confidence, identity building, problem solving, collaboration, communication skills, and valuing constructive feedback), and ensures access to the arts for youth from low-income families who don’t possess the means to participate in programs in arts-resource rich regions of Arkansas.
The Stage hosts a summer youth theatre camps, professional development workshops, internships, and free after-school and Saturday theatre programming.
In 2019, students had the opportunity to learn backstage basics during a Saturday Workshop entitled “Blackout: The Unsung Heroes of Theatre — Learning The Basics of Theatre Tech.” Students learned proper stage terminology, how to safely operate basic power tools, basic lighting design, and how to work together.
For more information about The Stage, contact Theatre Education Coordinator Lindsey Collins: lcollins@asc701.org or 870.536.3375.
The Stage Theatre Makerspace is funded in part by a sponsorship from Relyance Bank and a grant from the Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation. ASC is immensely grateful for Relyance Bank & the King Foundation's support of our endeavors to provide access to the arts for everyone.
BLOG POST: King Foundation Grant to Expand ASC’s Makerspace Theatre Program
The Stage Teaching Resources
The Arts & Science Center is pleased to offer The Stage teaching resources for educators, including ASC-created lesson plans and links to outside sources. ASC can also provide technical support, assist with evaluation, and assist with purchasing materials associated with implementing The Stage curricula.
For more information on how to take advantage of this support, contact Lindsey Collins: lcollins@asc701.org or 870.536.3375.
