Coronado School of the Arts

 

 

CoSA’s Theatre Production, Design & Management students are some of the busiest high school students in Southern California! The Coronado Performing Arts Center at CHS, which opened in 2007 and received a $2 million upgrade in 2010, includes a 570-seat theatre complete with an orchestra pit and fly space, Vortek computerized lift system and computerized sound and lighting system, and a more intimate 80-seat Black Box theatre. Since 2020, CUSD, the City of Coronado, CoSA Foundation, Coronado Island Film Festival, Coronado Schools Foundation, and the Coronado Community Foundation collaborated to secure funds to update technology.  This is an ongoing project that will support the broader community to a high quality experience when attending any event in The Coronado Performing Arts Center and will provide student learners updated technology experience. 

 

The students in Theatre Production, Design and Management also known as "Technical Theatre Techies," study set design and build sets for CoSA productions in the fully-equipped scene shop. They learn elements of lighting design, as well as how to operate a complex computerized lighting system. They study costuming, make-up, sound design, and stage, box office, and house management. With over 70 theatre events annually, both for the school and for groups who rent our facilities, the students have ample opportunity for on-the-job work experience.  Graduates of the program have been trained to problem solve, think on their feet and react to changing scenarios, and manage crews safely in fast-paced environments.

 

A key component of the conservatory experience is semester jury assessment by faculty and professionals. When possible, techies are taken on field trips to other stages and performance venues in southern California to broaden the depth of knowledge about their craft.