La Jolla Playhouse is taking its technical theater training on the road with a new mobile program, aiming to bring the magic of behind-the-scenes theater production to schools, juvenile detention facilities, and community centers across San Diego County. This initiative is a game-changer for the institution, as it addresses the limitations of its previous technical theater program, which faced challenges due to limited theater time, space, and accessibility for certain schools and groups.
The mobile program, funded by a Parker Foundation grant and decorated by Show Imaging Inc., is a fully equipped van that brings the technical theater training to the students. It made its debut at the playhouse's 2026 WOW Festival, a fitting event that celebrates out-of-the-box thinking. Now, it's in its soft launch phase, focusing on the Juvenile Court and Community Schools, with plans to expand to more schools and centers later this year.
The program offers one-hour or half-day sessions covering various aspects of technical theater, including costumes, lighting, set design, construction, props, and sound design. Trained teaching artists, supported by La Jolla Playhouse staff, will lead these sessions, providing students with hands-on experience and exposure to the creative processes behind playhouse productions.
The impact of this program is multi-faceted. Firstly, it addresses the challenge of tracking the long-term effects of the program on students, especially those in vulnerable states. Success is measured by fostering creativity, collaboration, and support among young people in a fun and safe learning environment. Secondly, it aims to expose students to the diverse career pathways in the arts and entertainment industry, potentially inspiring future careers in technical theater.
Funding for this initiative came from various sources, including multi-year grants from the Capdevila Gillespie Foundation and U.S. Bank Foundation, as well as the National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s Impact & Exploration Fund, Day for Change, and the Samuel H. French and Katherine Weaver French Fund. This comprehensive funding strategy ensures the program's sustainability and long-term impact.
In my opinion, this mobile program is a significant step forward in La Jolla Playhouse's mission to engage and educate the community. By bringing technical theater training directly to students, the playhouse is not only enhancing its reach but also empowering young people with valuable skills and a deeper understanding of the arts. This initiative is a testament to the institution's commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of its community members.
