Tech Theater Camp at Frenchwoods

Our theater program is supported by a very rich technical theater department. Campers are involved in every aspect of stagecraft, from costuming and make-up, to lighting, sound, props and set design and construction.

Our costume shop hosts more than 40,000 articles of clothing, with a large staff that costumes every show at camp. Your measurements are taken at auditions, so as soon as you get a part, we start making costumes for you. Campers can learn to sew, help select and put together costumes and help with costume changes and preparations backstage. Every session we build some costumes from scratch, so we always have new and exciting things going on in the costume department. Our props department, pulls props for every production and we make anything we don’t have.

In our lighting department, you can learn about hanging lights and lighting design. Campers run the spotlights and light boards for every show and can learn about gels, gobos and all kinds of theatrical lighting effects. Our lighting boards vary from manual to computer controlled, giving you the full range of experience. We have an extensive sound system in our two largest theaters and frequently mic a large number of campers for performances. Campers can help set up the wireless body microphones and help ensure the audio levels are balanced throughout the show. Additionally our sound department provides sound effects, where they are required.

Our two scene shops build a large number of set pieces every summer. Campers can learn to operate power tools and construct large and varied pieces of scenery. You can also paint backdrops, rig curtains and help move the scenery around between scenes during performances.

Campers run the lighting and sound boards for many of our shows.