John Sides

Through this project, Hardin Valley Academy will install a Miniature Lighting Lab (MLL) in their theatre and collaborate with faculty at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The MLL will provide students the opportunity to move from the technical theatre instruction typical in high school due to safety issues to the hands-on use of technical equipment. This real-world application will prepare students for post-secondary learning, provide future workplace skills, and potentially connect students with the local theatre community. Hardin Valley Academy requires students to select a pathway based on their interest, leading to advanced coursework, work in that field, community partnerships, and often industry certification opportunities. The ultimate goal is that the addition of the MLL, along with a new sound design class, can help open up a technical design pathway for students.