Professional companies, supportive setting

DU Theatre students have a challenge: one of the best places to work on your construction and team skills is at a summer theatre festival. But DU’s spring quarter finishes in mid-June, and almost all summer companies begin at the end of the semester in mid-May.

My students and I had a similar problem- I wanted to build on my TD skills by working with new companies, and students needed a “Festival Experience” that would allow them to grow by extending their skills in new places. Students need professional experiences to build networks and apply their skillsets in new situations. There is also the challenge of money- there has been much discussion about the low pay of many summer companies. Access to networking and skill development was limited to students who could afford to live on stipends below minimum wage.

I had experienced an excellent possible model when we hosted Phamaly Theatre Company for Evita in the DU venue- a collaborative build between a professional company and theatre students. I reached out to local theatre companies, and we began the process of becoming a scenery fabrication shop. During the build process, students are engaged in our construction shop with working professionals, and then have the experience of moving the show elements to a professional venue, working with the theatre company’s team to install and prepare the production.

From single shows in our first years, we are now producing multiple productions for multiple companies, typically building 4 to 6 shows in the Summer and Winter breaks. To give a sense of scale: since 2022, TTIP has built 23 shows with nine different companies. With the academic season included, Interns have had the opportunity to build up to 38 shows in two years.

 The skills learned in TTIP translate directly to improved skills in the academic season: these students build better, lead better, and by the simple fact of building multiple shows in a short time, are more flexible and resilient. And then in the academic year, interns pass their enhanced skills on to the students in the academic shop.

 As a teacher and creative professional, TTIP has also led to an expansion of my skills. Over the last few years, I have had the chance to organize, plan, and draft 23 extra shows. I have developed new approaches to building and researched new techniques and materials. I have also had the pleasure of working with excellent partners, utilizing and building the skills of my Shop Supervisors, and adding skilled guests. I have had the chance to expand my network and connect with prospects for new builds across the state.