Behind the Scenes Workshops Available

Montana Actors’ Theatre (MAT) is offering free Behind the Scenes workshops this week, July 22-25. This opportunity is open to adults and youth, ages fourteen and older.

These no-experience-necessary workshops will run from 9:00 a.m. until noon and will feature a different topic each day. Although advance registration is preferred, interested individuals can also just show up at the theatre to learn. All workshops will take place at the MAT Theatre in Cowan Hall on the campus of Montana State University–Northern.

MAT representatives report that youth and adult participants will get a look at backstage and tech aspects of theatre from MAT staff and volunteers who possess extensive experience. For example, on Monday Angela Pratt will conduct Costume Design and Construction. Pratt will not only provide an overview of costuming design and its importance but share construction and application strategies. This workshop promises to be hands on and interactive.

Tuesday’s topic, Set Design and Construction will be conducted by either Casey Pratt or Jay Pyette, while Wednesday will feature Lighting and Sound with Andi Daniel. During Daniel’s session, participants will receive an overview of sound effects and programming, as well as learn about basic lighting concepts and programming with LED, incandescent, and Intelligent lights, as well as QLab.

The final workshop, Stage Management and Crew with Liz Morrigan, will occur on Thursday. During that time, workshop members will acquire an immersive and entertaining skill-building demonstration in backstage etiquette, stage management, and running crew.