Today's Lesson: Rigging and Fly-Rails

In preparation for "Seussical", students in the Teenage Drama Workshop's design-tech program got a hands-on lesson in safely rigging set pieces and proper use of the fly-rail system when teacher Caroline Law had them rig up a giant set piece that will fly-in during the show.

Once the rigging got the all-clear from CSUN staff, TADW students and staff worked together to lift it into position where it will be painted for the show.

"Not a lot of students this age get to work on rigging," Law said. "This was a really great experience for our kids today."

(Pictured, TADW students and staff await instructions high above the Campus Theatre; students get instructions from design-tech teacher Caroline Law and CSUN staff on proper use of the rigging and fly-rail systems; Law and design-tech student Kyle Steven prepare to use the fly-rail to lift the huge set piece; students help lift the piece off the saw horses and into position.)

Techies Hard At Work Backstage

Students in TADW's Design-Tech Program are already hard at work, learning the ropes back stage. Under the direction of Caroline Law, the "techies" are working in the scene shop on sets and props.

Over the next few weeks, they'll also assist with lighting, sound, costumes and other "stagecrafts". 

Now in its 2nd year, TADW's Design-Tech program is growing by leaps and bounds. Up from four students last summer, the program has 16 students this year. And all their hard work will pay off when TADW's productions of "Alice in Wonderland," "Seussical" and the "10-Minute Play Festival" open in a few short weeks.

Design-Tech Track

Standing by the fly rail in the Campus Theatre, celebrating their success with "The Wiz" and "Pinocchio," here are the students from the 52nd Teenage Drama Workshop's Design-Tech Track: From left, Sona Parian, Emma Casady, Instructor Caroline Law, Michael Patterson and Tyler Roach.

Design-Tech Students Learn the Ropes

Students in TADW’s new Design-Tech major are hard at work learning the “ropes” and tricks of the trade. Instructor Caroline Law spent the morning teaching them about tools and equipment for rigging set pieces. The techies later put their newfound skills to use, rigging up Gepetto’s house for TADW’s upcoming production of “Pinocchio”. Additionally, techies Michael Patterson, 14; Sona Parian, 11, and Tyler Roach, 18, primed and painted set flats in the scene shop. “Learn to be a great scenery painter,” Law told the students. “They are in high demand and they make a lot of money!”