While the rest of us sit in our classrooms, surrounded by the typical sound of our instructors’ voices, one group’s room chimes another tune. Encapsulated by the drumming of hammers on wood and swift feet pacing the stage floors, Diamond Bar High School’s stagecraft students spend their class time preparing for the school’s upcoming performances.  

Established in 2005, stagecraft focuses on the behind-the-scenes work in every DBHS production, including everything from seasonal choir concerts to drama productions. Students are divided into two groups—beginning and advanced. In both classes, they learn about production and other theater related subjects. Other days, when they are not learning the technicalities of this craft, these Brahmas collaborate on the construction of sets and props. 

“All students entering Stagecraft start in the beginning class, and if they wish to advance their knowledge, they can register for the advanced class,” stagecraft director Jenna Riley said via Gmail.

These Brahmas join stagecraft for various reasons—filling their elective slot, completing their art credit or simply to experience something unique during their highschool career. 

“I returned for two years, because I enjoyed the experience and challenge,” junior Jocelyn Wang said via Instagram. “Whether it be building the set for the theater productions or working on other school productions, it’s a very fun experience because you learn while you have fun.”

To ensure their safety while handling machinery, students are required to pass a safety test and complete tool training. 

“Personally, completing the training essentially taught me all I know about the tools as prior to taking stagecraft I had never touched a power tool before,” senior Jalen Davis said.

When preparing for upcoming performances, the stagecraft students will often stay after school for technology rehearsals, which can last anywhere from two to four hours. 

“Tech rehearsals are basically a way for tech to understand the ques and flow of a show so they can be performed efficiently and effectively during a live performance,” said senior Eric Wyrick. “From my experience, drama shows are always the most intricate performances.”

When it comes to the completion of sets, stagecraft often spends one to two months in class and after-school to perfect the craft, depending on the complexity. 

“Without Stagecraft’s support, the shows would be a lot simpler, and with our help, they run smoother and we can bring their vision to life,” Riley said. “We aren’t seen, but many hands are working on all the technical aspects of the show.”

When shows are done, the team disassembles their creations with the intention of preserving as much as possible for potential future use.

Currently, stagecraft is starting their annual stage lighting project, which involves programming light cues to songs. Such exercises are intended to prepare the students for future performances such as the upcoming Spring Choir show and the Anastasia show.