Behind the scenes...
Students working backstage on theater productions play a vital role in bringing performances to life. They are responsible for everything from set design and lighting to sound management and costume changes, ensuring a seamless experience for the audience. This hands-on experience not only enhances their technical skills but also fosters teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Being part of the backstage crew allows students to contribute the magic of theater while gaining invaluable insights into the performing arts industry.
Dayle Kolb
Theater Technician, Set Design, Hair & Make-up
Art has been my passion for my entire life. In college, I discovered that the cosmetics industry would allow me to utilize my artistic ability and become a career. I worked in cosmetics over 30 years, managing, training and teaching clients makeup tips to help them feel more confident. I dabbled in theater in high school and college, working on set pieces. 20 years ago I met Becky Hogaboom through a friend and shortly after she and I began doing children’s programs for our church. Then on to community theater for HVCT and finally landing at Lakeland Theater Company when Becky became the director. I am so thankful that I have this amazing place to continue my passion. I was a volunteer for 2 years, leading the design/build as well as hair and makeup areas, and in 2023 I became a LHS Theater Technician, working with our lighting and sound systems. I get to design and build fun sets, create hair and makeup looks for our shows and now, learn sound and lighting. However, the most rewarding part of WHY I do all of this…..the kids!! I get to mentor a student intern and teach students paint and build techniques. Our team has worked hard to build this Theater program and in just 4 years we are proud to see LHS students get amazing scholarship offers to continue their passion in the arts.
Deb Biondo & Granny Dot
Costume Director, Costume Design & Alterations
Dot’s involvement in theater goes all the way back to sewing costumes for her daughter, Deb, when she was on stage for high school musicals. Fast forward 30 years and her sewing skills were renewed creating various costumes for her granddaughter, Tessa and Deb for shows with Huron Valley Community Theater (HVCT) and OVMS. As Tessa moved on to high school, Dot and Deb became more involved with Milford Theatre Company’s (MTC) costume team.
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Although Tessa’s high school’s theater career ended in 2020, Dot and Deb continued their work behind the scenes for MTC and also shared their time with Lakeland Theatre Company and HVCT. In the spring of 2023, Deb stepped into leading the costume effort for, Hello Dolly! and hasn’t looked back! She’s thrilled to be part of an exceptional, hard-working production team at LHS!
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Dot continues to be part of costuming for both HVS high school theatre programs. Deb has been involved with HVCT since 2011, serves on the board and participates in show productions where time permits.
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This mother-daughter team also volunteers at Open Door Outreach Center Thrift Store in Waterford. In addition to the amazing work they do for their community, the staff and volunteers at the Open Door Outreach Center Thrift Store have become generous sponsors of our theater program as well and their support has been such a blessing.
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Brainstorming ideas for costumes, sewing and shopping for costumes definitely fuel entertaining times together for Deb and Dot! They also cherish the friendships they've formed and the countless hours they've spent with their costume friends and the production team members! They both agree that the smiles on students’ faces when they see their stage character come to life -- is absolutely the MOST REWARDING part of costuming!
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The costume department and our theater program have also been blessed by the generosity and support of our neighboring theater programs in Walled Lake, South Lyon, HVCT, and our district partners at Milford High School. We also couldn't do our jobs without the ongoing support of several amazing “costume moms” that are always so generous with their time and have pitched in to help with organizing, sewing, and artistic tasks that are a part of every show. Their dedication and efforts are priceless contributions that enable LTC to excel!
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If you are a parent or student that would like to be part of this fun, hard-working costumes team, please contact Deb at deb.biondo.lhstheater@gmail.com
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