High School Students Gain Hands-On Experience at Inaugural Theatre and Entertainment Production Camp Thursday, August 6, 2026
"Attending the Theatre and Entertainment Production Camp was probably the best week of my life. I really enjoyed meeting new people with similar interests."
Six high school students explored the behind-the-scenes elements of live performances at the inaugural Theatre and Entertainment Production Camp, held in Point Park University's Pittsburgh Playhouse.
"During the one-week intensive, students focused on three main disciplines: designing, making and managing," said Aaron Bollinger, M.F.A., program director and director of production at Point Park. "Students worked through many areas of production like scenery, costumes, lighting, props, paints, stage-management and more."
In addition to Bollinger, the camp was taught by faculty who brought their professional work experience into the sessions they led, including:
- Cat Wilson, associate professor of theatre production
- Jennifer Scheier, assistant professor of theatre production
- Katie Mikula-Wineman, properties shop manager
- Michael Montgomery, costume studio supervisor
- Lori Bollinger, scenic charge artist
- Jim Utz, assistant properties manager
- Bryce Bienz '24, head stage technician
- Talyn McClafferty '29, special assistant
"One of my key messages to the students was to be hungry for information," said Wilson. "The more you want to explore, the more opportunities the entertainment industry will present to you."
During the camp, students learned about each production area of live production through guided workshops, design labs and crew rotations. From drafting scenic concepts and sewing costumes, to hanging lights, running sound and calling cues, they gained practical experience while learning how each department collaborates to bring a production to life.
"This camp allows high school students to explore elements of production that they are not often allowed to participate in during their school shows," Wilson added. "Students learned the introductory foundation design, technical and management ideas that allow scenery, lighting, sound and costumes to collaborate and create a unified storytelling experience."
"The reason I chose to attend this camp is that I did stage crew at my high school last year and really enjoyed it," said Ethan Peters from Plum Senior High School.
The camp also emphasized creativity, safety, teamwork and problem-solving, providing a strong foundation and a comprehensive overview of careers in technical theatre and entertainment production.
"I got to learn more about stage-management, which is what I currently plan on doing in the future," said Leila Belletti from North Hills High School. "I loved this experience and I'm really glad I got to participate in the first year of this camp."
Bollinger added: "The final moments of saying goodbye to the students, presenting them with gift bags and homemade trophies was an endearing one. The students shared how much they enjoyed the week and the excitement of getting their hands on experiences they hadn’t had before."