Lighting & Sound
Shape the way a story looks and sounds. Explore lighting color and mood, cue programming, microphones, sound effects, and the teamwork behind a live mix.
Technical Training · Rise Above Performing Arts
Behind every
standing ovation.
There’s a team.
Build the world. Shape the light. Bring the story to life. Discover the creativity, technology, and teamwork behind the scenes.
Hands-on learningCreative & technical skillsReal productions. Shared purpose.
A new area of growth
A place for the
people who make
the magic happen.
Rise Above is more than what happens onstage. Every production brings together designers, builders, operators, organizers, and creative problem solvers.
We’re growing opportunities for students to explore these roles through hands-on experience and mentorship during the preparation and production of our shows. Our goal is to create more ways to learn, contribute, and belong—from the first idea to the final curtain call.
The skills behind the scenes
Find what sparks
your curiosity.
These are the areas we’re building around as technical training grows at Rise Above. Opportunities will develop with our productions, mentors, and available resources.
Sets & Scenic Construction
Help turn an idea into a world onstage. Explore scenic planning, measuring, building, painting, and the practical choices that make scenery work in a live performance.
Costumes & Wardrobe
Discover how clothing helps tell a character’s story. Explore costume research, organization, fittings, basic sewing, and the preparation behind a smooth quick change.
Stage Management
Bring the moving parts together. Explore rehearsal notes, cue sheets, backstage communication, scene changes, and the organization that keeps a company ready.
Media, Projections & Technology
Connect visual storytelling with production technology. Explore digital backgrounds, projection and LED content, playback, and the timing that connects media to a live scene.
Props, Hair & Makeup
Build the details an audience remembers. Explore prop research and preparation, backstage tracking, character looks, and the consistency a production needs night after night.
From concept to curtain call
Learn the craft.
Contribute to the show.
Students learn by working alongside the production team as a show comes together. Each production provides opportunities to practice skills during preparation, rehearsals, and performances.
Discover how it works.
Meet the tools, vocabulary, and responsibilities of a production team. Start with observation, questions, and safe working practices.
Practice with guidance.
Develop skills alongside mentors, with tasks matched to a student’s experience and readiness.
Become part of the process.
Put preparation, communication, and creative problem solving to work as a production comes together.
Future goal · Funding dependentThe next frame
From the stage
to the screen.
We’re pursuing grant support to add video production capabilities and open another avenue for creative learning at Rise Above.
Our goal is to give students opportunities to explore how stories are captured, shaped, and shared through video—building on the lighting, sound, and production skills already connected to theatre.
This expansion is in development and depends on funding and equipment. Video production training is not yet available.
What we hope to explore
- Camera operation & composition
- Multi-camera production
- Lighting & sound for video
- Editing & visual storytelling
- Interviews & behind-the-scenes features
Real experience. Real impact.
Build more than a production.
Confidence
See an idea become something real, and discover what you can contribute.
Collaboration
Listen, communicate, and learn to count on the people beside you.
Problem Solving
Think creatively, adapt when plans change, and work toward a shared solution.
Leadership
Practice preparation, responsibility, and following through for a team.
As the program develops
Curious is a great
place to start.
You might love technology, enjoy making things, or simply want to find out what happens backstage. Tell us what interests you and help us shape this next chapter.
How does hands-on training work?
Students learn hands-on while preparing for and running Rise Above productions. Training happens throughout the show process—from building and preparing backstage elements to rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances—rather than in a separate class. Opportunities and time commitments follow each production’s schedule and needs. Contact us to ask how you can get involved with an upcoming show.
Who will these opportunities be for?
The initiative is centered on student learning. Age guidelines and participation requirements will be shared as opportunities are developed, with activities matched to experience, supervision, and production needs.
Do I need technical theatre experience?
You’re welcome to start a conversation at any experience level. Let us know what you’ve tried, what you enjoy, and what you would like to learn so we can discuss an appropriate next step.
Can I help as a mentor or supporter?
Yes—please reach out if you have relevant production experience or would like to discuss equipment, materials, or financial support. We’re interested in building relationships that help this area grow.
Help build what comes next
Your place in theatre
could be behind
the scenes.
Interested in learning, mentoring, or supporting technical training? Let’s start a conversation.
Tell us which area interests you. Students and families can include the student’s grade and any relevant experience.
Rise Above Performing Arts
3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1175
Sarasota, FL 34239
Students & Families
Ask about getting involved and the skills you’d like to explore.
Mentors & Partners
Help create more opportunities through your time, expertise, equipment, or support.