Ocoee High School students build new black box theater

When Ocoee Knights Theatre Company member Hayden Chestine walked into a room at the high school this summer, it was a mess. 

But the vision was clear. 

Chestine, along with other theater students, worked for 10 days to turn the room into their new theatrical home, a black box theater that would become the foundation for future generations of students at the school who are interested in theater. 

“Now looking at it, I’m really proud of us, because we did this,” Chestine said. “We made our own space, and I think that’s really cool, because not really a lot of clubs get to go and paint their entire room and just make their own space.”

The space will double as a classroom and a performance space. The black box theater will give students an opportunity to work in a space that is common in the theater tech industry. 

“Having a space where the students can really express themselves fully and get the experience of working in a performance space that is meant to be a performance space really allows them to let go and be themselves and really experience their craft,” Ocoee’s theater director Kristopher Kahn said. 

Setting the stage

During the summer, between 10 and 20 students from the theater department built the black box space. 

“We have a very dedicated group of students in our drama club, and they are amazing, and they knew that we were going to give them a new opportunity and a new space over the summer, so they volunteered and pitched in, and they like spending time together, anyway,” Kahn said. “Being constructive during the summer is just a wonderful opportunity to do something for the program.” 

Kahn said all materials needed for the construction already were at the school, and the paint and hardware were provided by the school or purchased through club money raised from fundraisers or ticket sales.

“To do most of the construction, it took about 10 business days, so about two weeks worth of work to get everything from the way it was until the way it is,” Kahn said. “Everything was constructed, everything was taken down, painted and put back up. The kids are a great workforce.” 

The theater will fit about 50 seats, with additional room for overflow seats if necessary. 

Kahn said the volunteers did all the work almost entirely without his help. From painting walls to installing sound panels and building platforms, students used all skills learned in the tech theater class the school provides. 

Students who participated in this summer project were more than happy with how it turned out. 

“I think it’s just so exciting knowing that just everything is going to bring so much joy for kids in the future,” Chestine said. 

Students said they enjoyed the process and take pride in the work they accomplished in just two weeks. 

“A part of the black box that made it really memorable for us is that behind some of these panels are signatures and handprints and our graduation years,” theater student Khloe Strickland said. “We all each added our own personal touch into this room, that really made it our own for generations to come.” 

They also learned new skills while laughing and creating new memories with each other. 

“There’s work and there’s serious moments, but there’s always just the family and the fun that shines through it all, and when you’re with them, you’re never bored,” theater company treasurer Gian Delgado said. “We wouldn’t be able to do this without the support of our teachers. And also, not just the support of our teachers but our faculty and our principal, Dr. (Frederick) Ray. He’s so supportive of us, it’s amazing.” 

Company President Colby Salvatore said he’s excited for what the future holds and the impact the program will have.

“I think the best part about what’s happening right now is that we’re building the foundation for so much,” he said.

A new academy

Besides building a new black box theater, Ocoee High also has started the first Technical Theatre Arts Academy in Orange County Public Schools. 

The company is partnering with local businesses that are in related fields, such as AEO FX Makeup, Barbizon, Walt Disney World Live Entertainment, Universal Studios and more to provide students access to the industry and mentorships, as well as doing workshops. 

“We were looking for ways to grow the program, and honestly, it’s really a need for students,” Kahn said. “Students are told so often that by the end of high school, they need to have their entire life mapped out. ‘What college do you want to go to?’ ‘What degree do you want to have?’ And it’s really, really pushed that they should go to a four-year university and decide on a major. 

“But that is not the only real great option for them to have a successful career, and one of the biggest great careers in the center of Florida area is the technical theater field,” he said. “So this is a wonderful way to give them an opportunity to get some experience in that field and to be able to get an alternative to the standard educational model.” 

To participate in the academy, students need to meet certain requirements, such as being enrolled in two theater courses, including tech classes and the performance side. Members also must assist with productions after school and have an interest in the technical theater field. 

Kahn said the academy is in its first year and soon will become a full fledged magnet program, helping students connect directly to the tech theater field. 

“I’m really excited for the tech academy, because I’m one of the first people who is in it,” Chestine said. “I just know it’s going to be awesome.”