Backstage Bridges: How Technical Theatre Builds Inclusive Communities

6 min read

Behind every standing ovation, carpenters, electricians, stitchers, and sound techs are quietly turning bare stages into shared worlds- and, in the process, turning strangers into collaborators. When schools, city theaters, and community arts spaces treat backstage work as civic infrastructure, their tech crews become engines for job training, cross-cultural exchange, and everyday civic life. Technical theatre is where rigging and sewing, wiring and painting, become practical tools for creative placemaking- building not just sets, but stronger, more inclusive communities long after the final curtain falls.

When theatre productions are in development, especially at the community or educational level, the need for skilled labor in areas like carpentry, painting, electrical work, costume design, and sound engineering creates natural entry points for individuals who might not otherwise participate in the arts. This intersection of trades and artistry offers a unique opportunity to integrate various community members into a shared project. In many cases, people who specialize in vocational skills are invited into the theatre world to contribute their expertise, whether through contracted services or volunteer efforts. This collaboration not only produces a richer final product but also facilitates direct interaction among people with different backgrounds, life experiences, and social networks.

Technical theatre crews often include students, retirees, local artisans, and tradespeople. When these individuals come together to build a set or design lighting, they must communicate and problem-solve in real time. The work is hands-on, deadline-driven, and highly collaborative. Shared tasks like rigging a curtain track or assembling modular platforms require coordination and trust. These interactions can break down social barriers and encourage mutual respect. Studies have shown that collaborative art-making can effectively build social cohesion by creating shared goals and visible outcomes, reinforcing a collective identity (Booth and Duncombe 2012)¹.

Leveraging Theatre as Civic Infrastructure

Theatre facilities, particularly those operated by local governments or educational institutions, often serve as hubs for civic engagement. By offering technical apprenticeships or open calls for backstage volunteers, these venues can function as platforms for inclusive workforce development. Programmatic efforts that intentionally involve underrepresented groups in technical theatre roles can contribute to long-term community integration. For example, city-run arts programs in places like Seattle and Minneapolis have integrated technical theatre training into youth employment initiatives, effectively using theatre work as a pipeline to jobs in construction, lighting, and event management (National Endowment for the Arts 2017)².

From a public administration perspective, funding and supporting these types of initiatives aligns with broader goals such as workforce readiness, youth engagement, and community resilience. Technical theatre work naturally cultivates soft skills such as communication, time management, and adaptability. As a result, participants often gain more than just a paycheck or volunteer hours. They become part of a network and develop a sense of ownership over public cultural assets. These outcomes are consistent with findings from creative placemaking research, which highlights the value of arts-based community development in fostering civic pride and cross-sector collaboration (Markusen and Gadwa 2010)³.

Costume and Set Design as Cultural Exchange

Costume and set design offer additional avenues for cultural exchange and community learning. When a production requires historically or culturally specific designs, theatre organizations frequently consult with local cultural leaders, historians, or artisans. These collaborations can lead to a deeper understanding of different communities and histories. For instance, a production of a play set in 19th-century Mexico might involve local seamstresses or textile artists familiar with traditional embroidery techniques. Their involvement not only enhances the authenticity of the production but also brings their stories and heritage into a shared public space.

These artistic collaborations are more than transactional. They often lead to long-term relationships between theatre organizations and community groups. In some cases, they inspire new programming or partnerships. For example, a costume design partnership might evolve into a public workshop on historical garment making, further enriching the community’s cultural fabric. Such initiatives align with the goals of inclusive cultural policy, which promotes equitable access to cultural participation and representation (UNESCO 2018)⁴. When technical artists have the chance to share their knowledge in a public setting, it validates their contributions and encourages ongoing engagement.

Practical Strategies for Community Engagement Through Theatre Tech

For local governments and arts administrators looking to harness the connective power of theatre tech crews, there are several actionable strategies. First, create formal partnerships between theatre organizations and vocational schools, trade unions, or community centers. These partnerships can facilitate recruitment for backstage roles and offer training in areas like rigging, lighting design, or scenic carpentry. Second, implement mentorship programs that pair experienced technicians with emerging artists or youth participants. These exchanges help build trust across generations and skill levels while ensuring knowledge transfer.

Another effective strategy is to provide stipends or modest compensation for community members participating in technical work, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Compensation signals that their contributions are valued and helps remove financial barriers to participation. Additionally, public performances should include backstage tours or talkbacks that highlight the work of the crew. Making backstage labor visible increases appreciation for those behind the scenes and can inspire new participants. When community members see people like themselves in these roles, it cultivates a sense of possibility and belonging.

Creating Lasting Impact Beyond the Final Curtain

While the final production may last only a few days or weeks, the relationships and skills developed during technical theatre work can endure much longer. Participants often return for future productions, mentor others, or apply their skills in other community settings. The networks formed backstage can become support systems that extend into other aspects of civic life. For example, someone who volunteered to build sets may later join a neighborhood association or become involved in a local school board, applying their collaborative skills in new contexts.

To ensure lasting impact, arts administrators and local leaders should document and evaluate the outcomes of these collaborative efforts. Collecting data on participation, skill acquisition, and post-project engagement can help justify continued investment and inform future program design. Integrating these findings into broader community development plans supports a more strategic approach to cultural programming. As demonstrated by successful arts integration models in cities like Philadelphia and Chicago, theatre can serve as a practical tool for both community building and civic capacity development (Stern and Seifert 2009)⁵.

Bibliography

Booth, Eric, and Stephen Duncombe. 2012. "Building Civic Capacity through the Arts." In Animating Democracy. Washington, DC: Americans for the Arts.
National Endowment for the Arts. 2017. "The Arts and the Workforce." Washington, DC: NEA Research Report #61.
Markusen, Ann, and Anne Gadwa. 2010. "Creative Placemaking." Washington, DC: National Endowment for the Arts.
UNESCO. 2018. "Reshaping Cultural Policies: Advancing Creativity for Development." Paris: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Stern, Mark J., and Susan C. Seifert. 2009. "Cultural Clusters: The Implications of Cultural Assets Agglomeration for Neighborhood Revitalization." Philadelphia: Social Impact of the Arts Project, University of Pennsylvania.