The Dept. of L&I says that any minor doing the type of labor we do in tech theatre (working at heights, working with 'hoisting equipment', using power tools, and so on) may only do so in a bona fide vocational program, ie: a CTE class, and therefore everyone working with minors in tech theatre must be under the CTE umbrella.
It sounds like your state is in the process of complying, which is great! Unfortunately not all states have come to adopt that, and some that have make up excuses to get around it. For instance, in our school district in Washington State the admin is telling us that if the tech theatre class or club is after school, then the "requirement that the instructor be CTE certified doesn't apply", which makes no sense. The Dept of L&I is saying the rule is that minors working in a scene shop (for instance) must be in a CTE course, but the state and the district are saying: because the minors aren't in a CTE course, the rule doesn't apply and they can work in the scene shop without a CTE instructor. What!?
I don't see WA under Dana's list, but I'm not surprised given the attitude they have towards it. That said, I don't know if WA has a PEIMS code, or what it is – because although I work with students in tech theatre, I'm not required to be CTE certified (!!!), although I've been taking the classes to cover my anatomy – but they do have Career Clusters and Frameworks. Tech Theatre is under "Arts, A/V Technology & Communications; Performing Arts" Cluster. (Although personally I think Tech Theatre should be under the "Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics" – techies are not performers.) Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology's Theatre's CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) Code is 50.0502. Costume Design, and Costume Design alone, has its own CIP Code, 50.0510. I know not why. Information (Frameworks, etc) regarding WA's CTE Tech Theatre can be found at http://www.k12.wa.us/careerteched/Clusters/Arts.aspx.
As for classes, there is an (mostly) online program at a local community college. As soon as you've taken the Intro to CTE course (which you can take online) then you are qualified to get your Provisional certification for two years while you take the other courses. You can even get a two year extension after that. There are some Saturday classes, although I believe in the past they may have helped people in other states, so check with them, or look for a similar course in your state. http://www.southseattle.edu/programs/continuing-education/cte/
Good luck, and Kudos to you and your state for moving in the right direction!
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Beth Rand
High School Theatre Operations Coach
Next HS Theatre Management Training for Drama teachers online course: Summer Session starts June 12. Spaces still available.
Author of "High School Theatre Operations"
www.PRESETT.orgWoodinville, WA
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-20-2017 09:45
From: Cynthia Baker
Subject: CTE Technical Theatre Certification
Are there any schools that are putting their Tech Theatre Classes under the CTE umbrella? If so, do you have PEIMS code? What classes and what cert?
Cynthia BakerCelina High School
Theatre Director
UIL Coordinator
469-742-9102 x2520