Let’s take a walk through the USN Arts Department

This spotlight on Technical Theater Director Jim Manning is Part III in a three-part series on USNA’ s Tiger Arts Program known as TAP.
by Bo Daniel Parr, USNA board member
 
In the last installment of our walk through the Arts Department, we sit down with Middle and High School Technical Theater Director Jim Manning, the man who makes all things film, audio, and set design happen in the Auditorium. He’s usually the one behind the scenes, making sure everything is running safely and smoothly.  
 
Bo: What are your main responsibilities at USN?
 
Jim:  I teach Technical Theater to Middle and High School students. For Middle School plays, this involves reading through the script with the cast and starting to envision what the scenes will look like. This often changes how the set is envisioned as students begin to empathize with different characters in the play. The process then moves to more practical pursuits like measuring accurately, painting, and using a drill.
 
I also teach film studies to 11th and 12th graders, and we just added a second course to include the study of foreign films.
 
Finally, I am technical director for all shows at USN including theater, band, choir, and assemblies. I am usually around for any performance-related event at USN.
 
Bo: How do technical theater skills progress from MS to HS?
 
Jim: HS is a continuation of MS, which involves introducing basic audio setups, using power tools, and giving the students that really love building the chance to stretch and grow. Right now, we are trying to design a revolving spiral staircase for the HS play, “Eurydice,” and it is a real problem-solving challenge. It needs to be safe, it needs to function properly, and it needs to be done in two weeks. It’s really fun to watch the HS kids step up to mentor the younger students and start to develop skills for handling real-world scenarios.
 
Bo: What are your interests outside of USN?
 
Jim: I directed the play “Newsies” last fall performed by the Circle Players. I sit on the board of ACT I, a community theater group, and I am currently casting and auditioning for a version of “Romeo & Juliet” as told through dance and local bands. That one should be interesting.
 
Bo: What stands out for you as a USN faculty member?
 
Jim: I value the nurturing environment at USN, and the collaborative way that we are encouraged to teach and interact with students. I was able to attend a continuing education seminar in Australia last year to learn about immersive theater, where the actors and the audience are part of the show. The experiences and education I received there have been instrumental in developing an immersive theater experience here at USN. Stay tuned for more exciting news about that.
 
Bo: We look forward to hearing more about what you’ve been doing, Mr. Manning. Thanks for taking the time to chat.
 
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USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.