Design and Production students are the (mostly) silent people back stage, making the intricate elements of a show progress. The costumes changing, the scenery moving, and the lights shifting, technicians are the people who work backstage. The actors may give the appearance of an effortless performance, but the whole time “techies” are sprinting around behind the scenes making sure it stays that way.

Once you have joined the Design and Production family, you will become immersed in the world at YPAS. During your first year you will take three D&P classes: Introduction to Stagecraft, Costume Construction, and Lighting.  As a Design and Production major you will be required to attend a mandatory after school class which meets every day from 2:30-5:30. It is a large time commitment, but this is where students build the shows so many patrons see in our theaters. There are no lectures or note-taking in this after school class, this is all hands on! 

A personal interview with the Design & production faculty is conducted to determine the applicant's qualifications, interests, and motivation. We expect every auditionee to attend one of our lab experiences. You can sign up for the After School Lab Experience (or the Saturday Lab experience). 

The interview is a simple meet and greet in which each applicant's parents should accompany. Questions such as:

• Why do you want to be a techie?

• What made you pick us?

• What can you tell us about yourself?

Articulation, desire to succeed, and a willingness to devote additional time after-school are variables affecting acceptance criteria. Previous experience on the part of the applicant is not a requirement for admission. Students will also complete a writing prompt at the audition. Applicants should bring 4 examples of work, a portfolio of sorts. This work does not need to be design and production-related. It can be artwork you have done at school, or at home. It can be photos of things you have built and/or created. It can be garments you have sewn. We do not expect you to create items just for the interview. Bring things you have already done. You should be prepared to talk about the items (what did you use to create it, why do you like it, etc.).

*please note: the Design & Production major requires an afterschool commitment (daily 2:30-5:30pm) which limits participation in many school activities.