Technical Theater is an exciting and growing program at Howard W. Blake School of the Arts. Running one of the largest theater complexes in Hillsborough County keeps us busy! Preparing for and running more than 40 different performances a year, technical theater students gain valuable experience that directly translates to college and career readiness in sound set up and design, lighting installation and design, and building and designing sets. Our program focuses on education through practical experience. Many of our technicians have extensive resumes in all areas of technical theater and backstage work well before graduating.
Technical Theater is the backbone of everything we do at Howard W. Blake. We want to ensure we have the best students Hillsborough County has to offer and we want to make sure you are prepared for your future career!
Please read all information carefully. The ability to follow directions is paramount to your success in the Theater Department. All interested auditionees must FIRST apply to the Hillsborough County Schools Choice program and select Blake High School Technical Theater (check the county website for dates). You will be contacted by the school through the email you entered on your application (check your junk/spam mail) with audition dates and times.
Interviews
Interviews for the Technical Theater track play to a student’s strengths. Technical Theater applicants may choose from ONE of the following options for their interview:
Option A: Portfolio Review
- Include pictures of construction/pre-production work and any photos of the finished show or product.
- Include any paperwork, sketches, renderings, models, etc. that you think show your BEST work.
Option B:
- Students who do not have a background in stagecraft or theater design should prepare a typed statement explaining why they would like to become a part of our program.
Applicants should be prepared for a question and answer session that will focus on their interest in becoming a part of the Blake Theater company.
Required Track For Technical Theater Majors
Freshman
Technical Theater 1 and Drawing 1
Sophomore
A Double Block of Technical Theater 2
Junior
A Double Block of Technical Theater 3
Electives
Senior
Double Block of Technical Theater 4
Electives
Electives
Directing 1
Directing 2 (with approval and scheduled the same time as Acting 2)
Theater Leadership
Broadway Dance
Vocal Tech
Piano for non majors
Music Theory
Art for non majors
Film & Television for non majors
Students may take additional courses not listed above if there is room in their schedule. Instructor / administrative approval may be required for classes outside of your major.
