Project Grant

Assistant lighting director: will allow us to pay a local lighting artist to assistant our head lighting director, which will add to the professionalism of the production and will result in overall improved lighting effects and audience/participant enjoyment and immersion regarding the lighting Head choreographer: once again helps to fund a local artist and will allow the director to focus on acting and blocking instead of multi-tasking in order to teach choreography; encourages students to learn, practice, and hone new skills that promote exercise and can enhance their personal confidence; students work on timing, coordination, rhythm, and a new form of artistic expression (taught by a professional) Pallet racking (x4 - heavy-duty storage shelving): we plan to purchase from a local store (possibly Home Depot in Elk River, MN), thus supporting the local economy; this storage system will greatly help cast and crew to access materials, props, etc. in an organized and manageable way, as our backstage area is currently chaotic and messy. This organization system will support and organize heavy items as needed and will save time and frustration related to not being able to find needed items. Wireless microphones (x5): this will allow five members to communicate regardless of whether they are in the lighting booth or on-stage. This purchase was requested by lighting director Adam Zachman as he would like to be better able to talk to people on-stage in order to make efficient and quick changes to lighting as needed. Wireless microphones will allow wearers to travel outside of a limited area (as wired microphones require the wearer to stay in a much more limited area). Ellipsoidal lights (x2) and replacement LED bulbs (x5): our school's lighting system has not been updated since the school was built in 1994, and many of the lights have not been maintained as the school did not have a theatre program for several years in the 2000s. Having two ellipsoidal LED lights and replacement bulbs will allow us to update our lighting system to enhance the overall quality, professionalism, and audience/actor enjoyment of the production. We will also be able to better fine-tune and experiment with lighting options. These new lights will also be used to improve overall lighting for band and choir concerts, Poetry Out Loud, One-Act Play, and other events taking place in the theatre. Using LED bulbs will also save money over time by reducing electricity costs; LED bulbs will keep the on-stage area cooler, resulting in more comfortable (and less hot) performers. ; To improve the quality of lighting, choreography, backstage organization, and wireless communication from stage to tech booth for this spring's Big Lake High School musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the musical We will ask for constructive feedback from performance attendees and give the option of filling out a brief form following the performance. We will ask for audience members to rate several aspects of the performance on a scale of 1-5 (1=poor, 2=below average, 3=average, 4=above average, and 5=excellent) and will offer paper forms, pens, and a drop box for the completed forms. Evaluations can remain anonymous. Evaluated aspects of the performance will include the following: the set; lighting; sound; costume and props; the acting; the singing; the orchestra; the direction and interpretation of the musical. Final question: "Please elaborate on your favorite part of the performance and please provide at least 1-2 suggestions and/or ways to improve future performances." I (Nicole Overby, theatre parent booster) will collect and organize the evaluations and feedback. The evaluation plan attached was for 2022, but a similar form will be used for the 2023 musical.; We will seek feedback from performers, tech crew, viewers, and directors - sample feedback form was included in original proposal.