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Curiosity and creativity are found in many fields, but maybe none so clearly as the theater. The Drama Department has been a part of Lancaster Mennonite for years, but it’s not just about the stage. No production would be possible without the LM Tech Crew behind the scenes. These groups have provided an outlet for creativity while providing valuable skills to students.
LANE CROUSE ‘04 mixes audio for the Warner Bros. Discovery networks, streaming services, and corporate marketing and brand experience. He has worked on projects with NBC at the 2006 Olympics, mixed nightly promos for Conan, and toured as lighting designer with a band! He shared that, “Tech crew taught me pretty much all the skills I use in my current position today. Ryan Rohrer brought so much institutional knowledge that anyone working with him learned industry standard equipment and techniques.”
“Creativity is problem solving, and life is full of problems that will not have a straightforward answer. I find these traits have made me a more well-rounded individual.” – LANE CROUSE ‘04
HUNTER ROHRER ‘19 recently started as Video and Streaming Producer at Landis Communities. Lancaster Mennonite not only provided skills for his future career but more importantly, “LM helped me to explore my curiosity in faith and Jesus by surrounding me with like-minded peers who were also exploring their faith. It was helpful to have others journeying through faith alongside me.”
“Learning isn’t something that only happens in school. Being curious and asking questions is how I continue to sharpen my skills. Creativity has led me to finding better ways to accomplish my goals.” – HUNTER ROHRER ‘19
LM Technical Director, RYAN ROHRER ‘95 has been in his role for 25 years! Some of his favorite things include, “The creative process to make shows come to life and working on projects with the students to better the experience.” He advises students to, “Get involved in every opportunity available, work hard, and take pride in your work.” His leadership and example have led many alumni into their future careers, and he continues to encourage younger students.
KATELYN CORYELL ‘15 is the Executive Director with Creative Pursuits Academy, an instructor for several classes and personal lessons, as well as the LM Drama Director. She has been inspired by Matthew 5:16 which says “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Katelyn’s heart was pulled to theater education early in her studies. She loves, “Empowering students to make character choices, and ask intelligent questions of the story and themselves.”
Students like 11th grader Jasper Baunee have learned a lot from her. Jasper says, “I got involved with drama because I thought it would be a great way to spend my time and a valuable new experience. At LM, I was able to explore my curiosity in faith and Jesus by learning through others who gave me courage to grow.”
Katelyn loves the students at LM, their hearts for the world, and their desire to make it a better place. She believes that they will change the world and is honored to be a part of their journey.
Tech at LM
MICAH CARLSON 8TH GRADER
“I got involved with the Tech Crew because I was interested and offered to help. Working with technology is more creative than you think! You enhance the speaker and create an experience for the audience. I would definitely encourage someone who has the skills and interest to get involved!”
TESSA KENNEDY 11TH GRADER
“I started acting in 2nd grade and have loved it ever since. It is important to be curious and creative because curiosity is how we learn, and creativity helps us to express ourselves and learn what makes you unique. In drama you can be creative by interpreting your character and connecting them to yourself.”
CALEB BOWMAN 11TH GRADER
“There are many different roles on tech crew, and my goal has been to learn all of them. I can easily tell that it is giving me real, meaningful experience that I can use later in life! There are many ways to be creative, such as learning to do fun things with panning or cool lens effects. I think it is important to be creative and curious in life, so you can improve as a person!”
