The Fabrication Lab and Stagecraft classes at Camas High School (CHS) are known as the most hands-on and physically involved classes at the school. While Stagecraft students are responsible for designing and creating sets for the school’s multiple musical and theater productions, the fabrication lab, also known as the fab-lab, works more on individual projects and woodworking. Both classes are taught by Sean Kelly, who is also the theater director at CHS. In these classes, the main focus is on the creation and production of quality pieces, whether it be a piece of furniture or a paneling backdrop. Students work for weeks to months at a time finishing projects, and many find it incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
“We took a two-by-four and turned it into a whole stool. I like that because even though I messed up so much, you learn from it, and you can make so many cool projects,” CHS senior Victoria McPherson and fab-lab student said.
In fab-lab, projects are not given a specific due date. Instead, Kelly determines an appropriate deadline based on the progression of each student’s work. Students are advised to keep consistent attendance and avoid missing these classes, as missing just one period of work can set a project far behind its allotted due date.
Stagecraft follows the timeline and deadlines of the musicals, as fully completed sets and props are expected to be ready for the tri-yearly shows.
In both classes, safety is extremely important. Students must remain aware of their surroundings at all times, as heavy machinery and tools are used in the classroom. Safety testing is required before students are eligible to take the fab-lab course.
“Stagecraft is about building all the things that go into a show,” Kelly said. “The sets are usually given an 8 or 9-week run, there are daily classes and also set construction on Saturdays, which is a nice long session where we get to dig deep into the projects and get some good work done.”
Looking ahead, the spring musical, The Addams Family, is the main focus for hard-working Stagecraft students as they prepare for long days and consistent commitment. Despite the difficult tasks thrown at these students, they prove their capability and handle each set piece at a time, allowing for a wonderful production and improvement in craft, teamwork and leadership.
“I would absolutely recommend this [class],” CHS sophomore set manager Emma Velasco said. “I’ve really enjoyed being able to do the creative stuff as well as having more challenging things such as measuring things out and marking them, and working on learning how to transpose something from a piece of paper onto a massive thing.”
“It’s been really cool, especially since you get to learn more about the theater terminology and backstage stuff while working on the show and getting to know the whole process,” Velasco said.
