October 24, 2016 (North Bergen, N.J.) – The HCST Foundation has recently approved funding for a series of workshops that will help build an innovative Theater Technology program at High Tech High School, announced Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director.
The workshops, which will be held in the Black Box Theatre throughout the school year, will begin with a focus on proper usage of the revamped lighting system. Training and workshops will be aimed at both faculty and students who will then collaborate to build a curriculum for the forthcoming Theater Technology vocational class at the new High Tech, currently under construction in Secaucus, NJ.
Although typically associated with the Performing Arts Department, The Black Box Theater is a fixture at High Tech High School. Serving events across and beyond the curriculum, from Poetry Slams to Comedy Shows to TEDx talks, the technical skills required to operate this venue has become a much-needed focus for vocational education.
Ms. Allyson Krone, Assistant Principal of High Tech High School says, “The forthcoming Theatre Tech program is going to be pivotal for the new facility, as we have a larger student body and greater need for performative spaces across a variety of disciplines. It’s important that we grow our knowledge from within and include students in the curriculum planning process of this highly technical skill set.”
President of the HCST Foundation Mr. Daniel Gans adds, “We are always eager to help the community to help itself. This opportunity to provide preliminary training to both students and staff to begin a new program is very exciting to us at the Foundation.”
HCST District Superintendent Frank J. Gargiulo said, “The Black Box Theater is such a versatile space, and I look forward to seeing the staff and students expand our course offerings in a way that is practical and, frankly, good for the school community.”
Executive Director Linda J. Quentzel also said, “This opportunity allows our current faculty and students to build a program that will facilitate real-world knowledge in a truly dramatic setting. The Foundation is always pleased to support such an endeavor.”
