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Step through the stage door and into the magical world of stagecraft. The "Show & Tech" Stagecraft Tour will give you an exclusive, hands-on understanding of the inner workings behind a professional production—right before you watch the performance of Capital City Theatre's 2026 production of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE at Madison College's Mitby Theatre.
What You’ll Experience
The Touch Points: Get up close with hand props, explore how the scenic elements are made and come together, and inspect intricate costume designs up close. See all of the detailed work that goes into creating these pieces.
The Control Center: Stand where the Stage Manager calls the show. Practice reading real cue sheets for lighting, sound, and automation, and see how split-second timing brings the magic to life.
Lighting & Sound: See the technology behind the lighting and sound systems that shape the mood of every single scene.
VIP Performance Access: Top off your backstage experience with a ticket to the mainstage performance, watching how all of the stagecraft you've just explored work together to make the production complete.
Post performance discussion: After the performance, there will be a quick discussion to get feedback and recap how all of the elements had been successfully used to enhance the production.
Why It’s Essential
Whether you’re an aspiring technician, a performer wanting a sharper understanding of stagecraft, or a dedicated theatre enthusiast, this workshop translates abstract technical knowledge into practical, hands-on understanding. You won't just watch a show—you'll see the craft through an insider's eyes
Saturday November 21, 2026 10a-5:30pm,
includes 2pm matinee ticket of
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Mitby Theatre)
1 day: $50
Led by Corey Helser:
D. Corey Helser has spent a lifetime in theater and education. After receiving an MFA in Theater Production (emphasis in Lighting Design and Stage Management) from UW-Madison, he worked for American Players Theatre, Dance Wisconsin, Madison Rep, Madison Opera, and touring with The Melrose Motion Company. After too many days on the road, he began working for Madison College where he managed the Mitby Theater, taught Stagecraft, supported the student performance series, and eventually lead the office of Conference and Event Services. While still working for the college, he began Theater Support Services, LLC. Under that company he developed stage management software and consulted for several organizations, including the Stoughton Opera House and the Wisconsin Arts Board. After leaving Madison College, he continues to design scenery and lighting for over a dozen shows each year. Beyond the stage, he is a musician and enjoys sailing when time and weather allow.
Step through the stage door and into the magical world of stagecraft. The "Show & Tech" Stagecraft Tour will give you an exclusive, hands-on understanding of the inner workings behind a professional production—right before you watch the performance of Capital City Theatre's 2026 production of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE at Madison College's Mitby Theatre.
What You’ll Experience
The Touch Points: Get up close with hand props, explore how the scenic elements are made and come together, and inspect intricate costume designs up close. See all of the detailed work that goes into creating these pieces.
The Control Center: Stand where the Stage Manager calls the show. Practice reading real cue sheets for lighting, sound, and automation, and see how split-second timing brings the magic to life.
Lighting & Sound: See the technology behind the lighting and sound systems that shape the mood of every single scene.
VIP Performance Access: Top off your backstage experience with a ticket to the mainstage performance, watching how all of the stagecraft you've just explored work together to make the production complete.
Post performance discussion: After the performance, there will be a quick discussion to get feedback and recap how all of the elements had been successfully used to enhance the production.
Why It’s Essential
Whether you’re an aspiring technician, a performer wanting a sharper understanding of stagecraft, or a dedicated theatre enthusiast, this workshop translates abstract technical knowledge into practical, hands-on understanding. You won't just watch a show—you'll see the craft through an insider's eyes
Saturday November 21, 2026 10a-5:30pm,
includes 2pm matinee ticket of
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Mitby Theatre)
1 day: $50
Led by Corey Helser:
D. Corey Helser has spent a lifetime in theater and education. After receiving an MFA in Theater Production (emphasis in Lighting Design and Stage Management) from UW-Madison, he worked for American Players Theatre, Dance Wisconsin, Madison Rep, Madison Opera, and touring with The Melrose Motion Company. After too many days on the road, he began working for Madison College where he managed the Mitby Theater, taught Stagecraft, supported the student performance series, and eventually lead the office of Conference and Event Services. While still working for the college, he began Theater Support Services, LLC. Under that company he developed stage management software and consulted for several organizations, including the Stoughton Opera House and the Wisconsin Arts Board. After leaving Madison College, he continues to design scenery and lighting for over a dozen shows each year. Beyond the stage, he is a musician and enjoys sailing when time and weather allow.