ASU professor presents workshop at RHS

Rector High School gifted and talented students and drama students had the opportunity Wednesday, Oct. 31, to learn about technical techniques in the theatre from Jeff McLaughlin, professor of theatre arts at Arkansas State University.

McLaughlin is the technical director for the ASU theater department in Jonesboro. He presented two workshops, the first on model building, in which the set designer builds a model concept for a play and presents it to the director or design team.

"The models are great for developing creative designs without the expensive process of trial and error with the set design," said RHS drama and GT teacher Gail Burns. "The model is a way for the director or design team to conceptualize the entire production."

During the second workshop of the day, McLaughlin showed students how to work with foam as a design medium on the stage. The students were given opportunities to cut foam and to use the tools McLaughlin brought from the ASU scene shop.

In the lecture discussion, McLaughlin talked about the upcoming production of "Little Shop of Horrors." He designed the set and worked with the props for the show. He also will perform as the voice of the plant.

The students enjoyed the workshop and received materials about the ASU drama department. Both the GT and drama students will attend the production of "Little Shop" this fall.