While the actors are moving on and off stage between acts, the Carlmont Technical Theater Association (CTTA) is behind the scenes, ensuring the play runs smoothly.
CTTA is a Carlmont club that played a key role in Carlmont’s fall play, “Scenes from Metamorphoses.” But instead of being in the spotlight, they controlled it. CTTA was behind the play’s production, from running the live streams and lighting boards to organizing the play’s costumes, makeup, props, and set design.
Leading the club is Jillian Yong, the Carlmont performing arts theater manager. Her job entails leading all technical elements of Carlmont’s Performing Arts Center and organizing the events that are held in the studio theater and stage.
Yong used to be in CTTA as a student at Carlmont; she was drawn in by the prospect of painting sets.
“I got to learn about stage management, and that ended up being what I studied,” Yong said.
CTTA continues to spark passion in Carlmont students. For example, Raja Patel, a sophomore CTTA member and an actor in “Scenes from Metamorphoses,” participated by shadowing for sound during the showcase in October.
Shadowing allows more experienced members of CTTA to pass on their knowledge to newer members who want to learn to use the soundboard and lighting devices.
CTTA’s lighting design made scene changes and special effects really clear throughout “Scenes from Metamorphoses,” which was held in the Carlmont Studio Theater.
“I really liked the lighting and the way it was utilized to switch scenes, change moods and the atmosphere, accentuate certain parts, and show effects that couldn’t be shown as physical props,” Patel said.
Avery Lansdon, a freshman who attended the Thursday evening showing of “Scenes from Metamorphoses,” also appreciated the production.
“The lighting was a lot more than you might expect, and everyone did a really good job,” Lansdon said.
Aside from the Carlmont drama productions, CTTA helps out with running the theater for local organizations and other performances, such as the Carlmont Instrumental Music Department’s concerts and showcases.
“For something like an orchestra performance, we set up all of the chairs and the risers,” Patel said.
CTTA intends to keep running the Carlmont theater for years to come, and its members will continue to be able to volunteer to set up and run performances at Carlmont. These opportunities allow students to earn volunteer hours and learn more about technical theater as a whole.
But for Patel, the incentive of volunteer hours is not the most important thing.
“I like the behind-the-scenes aspect of drama. And in CTTA, I find a community that I like to be in,” Patel said.
