WESTFIELD – Westfield State University and Westfield Vocational Technical High School (WVTHS) have teamed up for the third consecutive year, this time to produce sets pieces for the university’s upcoming spring production of “Avenue Q.”
The collaboration dates back to 2013 when Ernie Iannaccone, technical director of Dever Stage, approached Westfield Voc-Tech in search of a place to construct the large set for the music department’s production of “Cabaret.” Westfield Voc-Tech Principal Stefan Czaporowski approved the partnership allowing Westfield Voc-Tech students to construct the sets for Westfield State Department of Music productions at the high school.
“I agreed because it exposes students in our Graphics and Construction Technology departments to other aspects of their respective trades,” Czaporowski said. “It also exposes WVTHS students to art and music, both of which we are not able to offer our students.”
Iannaccone said teaming up with the high school offered an ideal solution.
“The partnership is mutually beneficial,” Iannaccone said. “We get access to a carpentry shop big enough to build the sets and a skilled labor pool.”
Westfield Voc-Tech juniors and seniors, under the guidance of Brian Falcetti, lead teacher of construction technology, followed a design plan written by Iannaccone. The building process took six weeks in total with the juniors working for four weeks and the seniors for two. Students worked in pairs to cut and build each section. The juniors did the majority of the framing for the upper and lower floors and the seniors were involved with the exterior design and the installation of the trim and brickwork.
Falcetti said students were able to closely follow Iannaccone’s plan with few questions.
“The students and I enjoy working with Ernie and feel that he has great knowledge of his production abilities and we can add our construction skills as well,” Falcetti said.
Timing is key, and the production schedule of the Westfield State music department shows coincides with the slow construction season. Generally, Westfield Voc-Tech construction technology students travel to job sites to build houses and garages, but they are not always able to do so during the winter.
“It’s been a nice fill in in the bad weather and it’s allowed us to create a modular work place in the shop,” Falcetti said.
According to Falcetti, the process for building the “Avenue Q” set was essentially the same as building a house, but on a smaller scale. However, it allowed students to brainstorm and think outside of their element.
“This collaboration gives students a little more creative ability,” Falcetti said. “It allows them to brainstorm maneuvers for quick changes, window changes, and other theatric al elements.”
Falcetti said he did not hesitate when Iannaccone approached him with the idea for the partnership.
“It’s a win-win,” Falcetti said. “Any type of opportunity for our students to positively contribute to the community is a good thing. This project is a positive reflection on our school. Students learn about the set building process from older students and look forward to creating next year’s set.”
In theatre, it’s traditional for set builders to add in something that pays homage to the people who built it, so the Westfield Voc-Tech students painted the words “Tiger’s Block,” referring to the school’s mascot, on one of the walls.
Westfield Voc-Tech student Molly Lyttle, a junior from Westfield, said she is proud that the construction work she and other students did will be seen by hundreds of people who attend the performances.
“It’s cool to know the set came from our school and people are going to use it and enjoy it,” Lyttle said.
Student Ashley Mendez, also a junior from Westfield, agrees.
“It’s really cool to be able to say ‘I made that,’” Mendez said.
In addition to the set pieces, Westfield Voc-Tech students will build 15 podiums for Westfield State University. Since the students are not yet licensed construction workers, the labor is free, which cuts down costs and will save the university nearly $13,000.
“Avenue Q” is an adult comedy that takes a whimsical and irreverent look at the realities of responsible adult life and how they contrast with the carefree freedom of youth. It will be performed April 15-18 at 7:30 p.m. with an additional matinee performance at 2 p.m. on the 18th. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors and are available at www.Deverstage.com.
