Student Technical Theater Program

Chandler has earned a regional reputation for its student technical theater program. Under the direction of Chandler's Technical Director Mimi Burstein, students in grades 9-12 learn valuable technical theater skills which are put to use supporting a full season of performances at Chandler Music Hall. Many past participants have gone into successful careers in technical theater.

Mimi lives in Randolph with her husband Jay and son Owen. She has a deep belief in both the program and what the students involved in it are able to accomplish. She has worked at Chandler since 2004 and has mentored youth in technical theater since 2001. She describes her student tech crew, as “those under-appreciated, overworked people in black who you may see running around behind the scenes of a production. 'Techies' are responsible for all the technical aspects of a production, including sets, lights, sound, etc.

Techies are the real workhorses behind any theatrical production, concert, or anything else that involves performers or happens on a stage. They build the sets, find the props, dress the performer, aim, gel (color), and focus all the lights, and hang or place any microphones that are needed. They run the spotlights, the light and sound boards, and generally keeping things running smoothly backstage. They know a little about everything and a lot about a quite a few things.

The skills that these students learn in their work at Chandler are valuable outside the theater as well. Some kids volunteer 10 hours, others put in more than 500 hours each season. Self-motivation is required, but when students show Mimi their motivation, she “will match it 110%”. In addition to mechanical and technical work, they learn leadership skills, responsibility, time management and teamwork.

For more information about this program, please contact Mimi Burstein at 802-431-3893 or by e-mail.