Arts

Theater and Visual Arts Join Forces

This year, drama teacher Mr. Michael Eubanks and high school teacher Mrs. Katie Spata joined forces to bring the set of Into the Woods to life! Mr. Eubanks and Mrs. Spata both had a vision of enhancing both the theater and arts programs by teaching students to collaborate and work in a team environment. Into the Woods provided the perfect opportunity to bring both departments together. Fine Arts Director Mrs. Sherie-Beth Wilson said, “Their leadership, combined with the talent and hearts of our art students, is what made this endeavor possible. It was a wonderful experience, and I, for one, am looking forward to seeing it continue next year and for many years to come.”

Q&A with Sherie-Beth Wilson, Fine Arts Director

Q: How was the set design and construction done in years past?

A: In the past, theater directors relied heavily on parent volunteers to construct and paint the set. This year, under the direction of Mr. Eubanks, the build took place in one day with parents, and then students helped with all other aspects leading up to the show. This shift in the construction phase opened the door for Mrs. Spata to jump in with her art students and have them add many of the final touches that brought the set to life.

Q: What were the biggest challenges or surprises?

A: Time and scheduling were the biggest challenges. When the students were working on the sets, it limited what scenes we could run during rehearsals. It was easier for the visual artists to work on the set when rehearsals were not happening; however, some of the most exciting moments were when the visual artists got to step back from their work and see the actors incorporate it into a scene. It was like watching a painting come to life.

Q: What were the benefits of partnering together?

A: Friendships formed between both programs, and it helped instill newfound confidence in many of our students. Q: Will you continue to grow the partnership between theater and visual arts?

A: We are looking forward to continuing this partnership and finding a way to make it more official. Since scheduling and time were some of our biggest challenges, we hope to establish a set design club or team for our visual artists that will have leadership roles focused on the planning aspects of the design as well as the creative aspects. A much needed career skill for any professional artist.

Q: What lessons did you learn?

A: Start on the painting as soon as possible—it takes longer than you think! Learn to work with the space you have. We have a unique theater that isn’t large or grand by design, but it can create an intimate setting that transports the audience to a new place or story. Build upon what you already have, rather than trying to re-create a new space.

Q: Any little-known facts about the set design and construction you can share?

A: We were very blessed to receive a large donation of lumber from C.M. Tucker Lumber Company. The beautiful Into the Woods set would not have been possible without this generous donation. We send a huge thank you to the entire Tucker family for their willingness to help us create such a beautiful set that brought both our programs together this year.