Technically Magic

Photo of Michael Gurney and student in the tech booth at Heritage Playhouse

Instructor: Michael Gurney
Recommended Ages: Teen Course/Adult Course

January 8 – April 7, 2026
Wednesdays, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Mission Point House, Davis Bay
(and various theatrical venues and dates TBA)

Class Fee: $450 (includes $40 annual admin fee)

Lighting, audio and other essentials of the technical aspects of theatre

This course aims to introduce youth to the essentials of theatre lighting, audio engineering, and digital cue composition. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of these technical aspects of theatre production, enabling them to contribute effectively to school plays, community theatre projects, or further their education in performing arts.

Overview
Students will apply what they’ve learned by designing and executing the lighting, audio, and digital composition for a short theatre piece.
Activities
Group project presentation, followed by a critique session and course wrap-up.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

  • Understand the fundamentals of theatre lighting, audio engineering, and digital composition.
  • Be able to set up and operate basic lighting and audio systems.
  • Develop skills in designing lighting plots and soundscapes.
  • Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and software.
  • Collaborate effectively with peers to produce a technically polished theatre piece.

Session Breakdown