In a corner of the school, a group of dedicated students are learning the ins and outs of AV. The Stagecraft Club, led by Mr. Kody Beaudoin, a member of the IT department, provides students the opportunity to engage in the creative and technical aspects of events.
From running audio desks to setting up intricate lighting and video displays, the Stagecraft crew is crucial to the success of events like the schoolโs talent shows, concerts and graduation ceremony. This behind the scenes crew, which includes students from Grades 6 to 12, has been transforming school events and combining hands-on learning with real-world AV experiences.
The Journey of Stagecraft โ From Passion to Program
Stagecraft as a formal co-curricular club has evolved over the last four years. Originally, it was a tech club that met informally with Mr. Deans, but it was Mr. Kody Beaudoinโs arrival at the school that led to its transformation into a structured program. Kody recognized the potential for students to gain valuable technical experience while also tapping into their creativity.
With 12 core members, the club has seen a steady mix of dedicated students and newcomers eager to get involved. The club meets weekly to try out new equipment, much of which has been funded through Annual Giving, as well as talking about topics such as the theory of sound and preparing for upcoming events. The group is led by students who are competent, capable and ready to take on real-world challenges. “We welcome all students who show initiative and are excited to learn,โ Kody says.
Real-World Experience and Learning
For the students, Stagecraft is a chance to work in a professional environment with real-world tools. โBeing in Stagecraft is about more than just setting up equipment,โ says Marcus Nguyen, a Grade 6 student who first became interested in Stagecraft after seeing the crew at work during the Junior School Talent Show when he was a performer. โItโs about being part of something bigger, creating memorable experiences and learning skills that can lead to exciting career opportunities.โ
Students are entrusted with roles ranging from operating the audio or video desks, acting as stagehands, handling cameras during live events and being part of the set up and strike crews. These arenโt just theory lessonsโthey are working on events including the Winter and Spring Concerts, Fashion Show, Talent Shows, Graduation Ceremony and even themed assemblies such as the Lunar New Year celebrations and Remembrance Day.
For many students, the hands-on learning experience is one of the most valuable parts of being in Stagecraft. โIโve learned so much from operating the soundboard,โ says Cherie Nguyen, Grade 11, our resident superstar sound desk operator. โItโs not just about the tech, Stagecraft has given me the opportunity to work on many of my soft and hard skills, as well as provide hands-on experience, which aids in the learning process.โ
For some of our largest events we employ a company called Showmax to rig up professional-grade lighting for the students to use during the events. These representatives from Showmax, who are professionals in the industry and work on high-level music concerts and productions in theatres across the city, work alongside our Stagecraft team at SJS events, giving our students further opportunities to learn and get experience of working in AV at a professional level.
Itโs All About Teamwork
โBeing part of Stagecraft means being part of a crew,โ says Jazmyn Yong, Grade 11. โWe usually assign different roles for each person before each event, that way we maximize efficiency and cover a lot of ground quicker. There are a lot of things happening behind the scenes but teamwork makes those easier and each personโs skills are used and appreciated.โ
Marcus adds: โIโve learned that thanks to the effort of everyone in the team, they make it almost impossible for anyone to mess up, and thereโs a lot of support among the crew. It was a great learning experience to see how the team made everything run smoothly at my first event as part of Stagecraft.โ
Cherie shares: โOur Stagecraft crew are very close, considering we are a small group and many of us have been working together for some time now. However, that hasnโt become a barrier for other members joining. During the show, it is all about how we can work together to make the event as perfect as possible.โ
The Impact of Enthusiasm โ George Whyteโs Legacy
One of the most inspiring stories within Stagecraft is that of George Whyte, a Class of 2024 grad who played a pivotal role in shaping the program. When George first joined the program, he was a quiet Grade 6 student who was passionate about technology, but his natural talent and dedication quickly made him Kodyโs right-hand man. โGeorge showed us what was possible when a student truly takes initiative,โ Kody recalls. โHe singlehandedly set the bar for what it meant to be a part of this team.โ
Even after graduating, Georgeโs legacy lives on as he continues to inspire current members of the club, offering advice and guidance and mentorship to our students. โStagecraft was consistently the thing I looked forward to every time there was an event,โ George reflects. โIt became less like volunteer work and more like a job, where I had to exemplify professionalism and attention to detail while working in a fast-paced environment.โ
Skills Beyond the Stage โ How Stagecraft Helps Students Grow
While the technical expertise learned in Stagecraft is undoubtedly valuable, itโs the personal growth that this club also offers to students that makes it unique. โStagecraft has given me the opportunity to work on my communication skills, collaboration, attention to detail and also taking responsibility.โ
Jazmyn, who has worked with the camera team at events, agrees: โIโve improved my collaborative skills the most, as well as communication when working on events together. Being a film student and having an interest in photography, I also find it a great way to improve my framing and camera skills in general.โ
For Marcus, being in Stagecraft has also helped him develop his ATL (Approaches to Learning) skills: โWorking as part of a team also gives me some help in a few ATL skills like social skills, collaboration, and communication. As an IB student, I find these things important to work on.โ
Kody emphasizes that Stagecraft is not just about the tech sideโitโs also about learning life skills. โStagecraft allows us to make mistakes in a safe environment,โ he says. โWe can try out new things, test our ideas and see what works. Itโs a space for learning and growing.โ
Join Stagecraft: A Snapshot of the Future
Looking ahead, Stagecraft aims to expand its scope. There are plans to bring in more technical elements like props and stage management, creating even more opportunities for students to learn hands-on skills. The next few years will see students continuing to take on leadership roles, overseeing video production and sound coordination for school-wide events. “The future of Stagecraft is bright,” Kody says. “Weโll continue to grow, both in terms of technical skills and in terms of how we work together as a team.”
โItโs not just about pushing buttons,โ Kody adds. โItโs about learning how to create something immersive and meaningful for the audience. Thatโs the heart of Stagecraft.โ
Marcusโs advice for others who are thinking about joining Stagecraft is simple: โWhether youโre passionate about music, theatre or production, Stagecraft is a valuable and thrilling field to be in. I hope for more younger students to join the Stagecraft team and challenge themselves to try something new.โ
With its rich history, strong mentorship and bright future, Stagecraft continues to be a cornerstone of the schoolโs co-curricular offerings. If youโre looking for a chance to make an impact and learn in a hands-on environment, Stagecraft is the place for you.
The specialized equipment used by the Stagecraft Crew was made a reality through the generosity of our community through Annual Giving. Your support enables initiatives that enhance the student experience in academics, co-curriculars, arts, athletics, wellness, service, outdoor learning and more. To learn moreโand to help create future opportunitiesโplease visit sjs.ca/support/annual-giving.
