Behind the Scenes 

Welcome to the first article for SJC’s Behind The Scenes series!

Using Behind The Scenes articles and activities, we hope our community can peer into the creative classroom windows and witness magic happening as students delve into the process of researching, planning and creating artworks, performances, designs and projects.

We often celebrate the end result in the Arts & Technology fields; the stirring performances and productions, intricate fabric designs, delicious food creations, craftship and artistry. However, there is a whole world of wonder that is the backstory of any finished project, no matter how successful (or not) an audience finds it. Behind The Scenes aims to illuminate the creative process across visual and performing arts, design and technology. 

The creative process is an exciting one and necessitates students to be critical thinkers who conceive new ideas, express themselves, and trial techniques and materials they may never have used before. This takes courage from our students, and as teachers in the field, we feel privileged and proud on a daily basis as we facilitate and observe this dedication happening.

Creativity doesn’t all boil down to being born with talent. In the Arts & Technology subjects, students are explicitly taught techniques and skills on how to be creative and critical thinkers.

In order to produce quality art and design across all fields, they seek, give, and receive feedback on their work from their peers, friends, and teachers. This requires respect, honesty, design thinking frameworks and problem-solving skills!  This is sophisticated thinking at its best!

Despite students' capacity to be involved in an exhibition or performance, Behind The Scenes, will celebrate their work and creativity. While acknowledging the work that goes into the preparation, Behind the Scenes will provide an opportunity to promote upcoming performances and exhibitions.

We look forward to sharing the talents and dedication of SJC students as they prepare to present and perform.

Allison O’Brien