Backstage Opportunities

Are you interested in getting involved behind the scenes with Purdue Theatre? With two theatre productions and one dance concert each semester, there are plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experience in all areas of production. Areas of involvement include costumes, lighting, paint, props, scenery, sound, stage management, and more! No previous experience is necessary - just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Additionally, you can earn course credit by participating in a production. We can't wait to see what you bring to the stage!

What can I do?

If you are interested in designing scenery, painting scenery, or finding/making/buying the props that appear on stage, you'll want to be in touch with Devin Scheef, Visiting Assistant Professor of Scenic Design or Jake Wood, Paint and Properties Supervisor.

Are you more inclined toward scenic construction--carpentry, welding, rigging, and the like? You'll want to reach out to Rich Dionne, Associate Professor of Practice in Technical Direction, or Vince Lobello, Scenery Construction Supervisor.

Sewing and costumes more your thing? Talk to Ashley Bellet, Assistant Professor of Costume Design, or Tony Sirk, Costume Shop Manager.

If stage lighting makes your day bright, you want to reach out to Michael McNamara, Associate Professor of Lighting Design.

If you want to get involved in all things sound design or composition, send a message to Fan Zhang, Assistant Professor of Sound Design. Or, if audio technology and sound reinforcement is where it's at, send one to Mercer Aplin, Assistant Professor of Practice in Audio Technology.

Interested in Stage Management? Reach out to Lucy Yahr, Production Manager, to learn more.

Not sure where you might fit? You can also always reach out to Lucy Yahr. She can help direct you to the right people based on your interests and experiences.