Jefferson High’s Stage Gets a High-Tech Glow-Up: A Sign of Things to Come for Rural Arts Education?
Jefferson High School in Boulder, Montana, is set to receive a significant upgrade to its theater lighting system thanks to a nearly $80,000 state grant. This follows closely on the heels of a novel sound system installation last month, marking a period of substantial investment in the school’s performing arts facilities.
Montana Main Street Grant Fuels Community Hub
The funding, awarded through Governor Greg Gianforte’s Montana Main Street Grant program, recognizes the vital role Jefferson High plays within the Boulder community. The program is designed to support downtown revitalization and community development initiatives. Jefferson High will also contribute over $28,000 in matching funds to the project.
From Manual Controls to Digital Precision: A Lighting Revolution
The current lighting system at Jefferson High is described as “well past its prime,” requiring extensive manual labor for even basic adjustments. Drama teacher Mike Hesford explained that each light must be physically moved and filters changed individually, often necessitating the use of a lift and consuming hours of setup time. The new system will feature LED stage lighting, a digital lighting board, and a new lighting grid.
This shift to digital control represents a major leap forward. The digital board will allow for remote operation of the lights, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. This will not only save time but also unlock creative possibilities for scene-specific lighting designs.
Beyond Lighting: The Ripple Effect of Tech Investment
The improvements extend beyond just the lighting itself. The new sound system, installed by Sunshine Productions, has already dramatically reduced setup time – from over three hours to just three minutes. This efficiency gain allows students and staff to focus more on artistic expression and less on technical logistics.
A Model for Rural Schools?
Superintendent Erik Wilkerson emphasized the importance of the school’s strong community ties in securing the funding. In Boulder, the school serves as a central gathering place, and the drama department’s productions draw attendees from across the county. This demonstrates how investing in school facilities can have a broader impact on community life.
This investment in Jefferson High’s performing arts program could serve as a model for other rural schools seeking to enhance their arts education offerings. Access to modern technology can level the playing field, allowing students in smaller communities to pursue their creative passions and develop valuable skills.
The Future of School Theater: What’s Next?
The trend towards technologically advanced school theater programs is likely to continue. As the cost of LED lighting and digital control systems decreases, more schools will be able to afford these upgrades. This will lead to:
- Increased Production Quality: More sophisticated lighting and sound will enable students to create more professional-looking productions.
- Expanded Curriculum: Schools will be able to offer more advanced courses in technical theater, preparing students for careers in the performing arts.
- Greater Community Engagement: High-quality productions will attract larger audiences, strengthening the connection between schools and their communities.
Hesford expressed a desire to abandon the theater “in a great place where you can do almost any show and not have to reinvent the wheel to do it.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the importance of investing in the future of arts education.
FAQ
Q: What is the Montana Main Street Grant program?
A: It’s a program designed to support downtown revitalization and community development initiatives throughout Montana.
Q: When will the new lighting system be installed?
A: Installation is scheduled to begin after basketball season ends in mid-March.
Q: How much is Jefferson High School contributing to the project?
A: The school is contributing $28,065 in matching funds.
Q: What impact has the new sound system had?
A: Setup time has been reduced from over three hours to just three minutes.
Did you know? The new lighting system will allow for remote control of lights, significantly reducing setup time and increasing creative possibilities.
Pro Tip: Explore grant opportunities in your state to fund improvements to your local school’s arts programs.
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