The magic of performing arts extends far beyond the spotlight. While audiences are captivated by performances on stage, behind the curtain, there’s an intricate world of technology and expertise that makes every show a success. Pine Crest is fortunate to have a dedicated theater technician, Mr. Jeffrey Ronner, who brings decades of experience and passion to our productions.
With more than 35 years in the field, Mr. Ronner’s path has been anything but conventional. Starting in radio during high school, he built a strong foundation in electronics and sound engineering before transitioning into television. From there, his career took him into the corporate world, staging large-scale meetings and presentations, and later into advertising, where he built a recording studio for an agency and served as their information technology (IT) head.
Mr. Ronner’s journey then led him to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he became an IT Director for a nonprofit hospital chain overseeing technology at multiple hospitals. His passion for theater never faded. After a decade in healthcare IT leadership, he shifted into the world of stage production, working in professional venues and even spending a year in Australia with WorkAway, tackling everything from farm work to renovations.
“I have always had parallel careers in IT and presentation technology, and over time, those paths would cross depending on the opportunities,” Mr. Ronner explains. “Coming to Pine Crest has allowed me to integrate all those skills into one role, and I am having way too much fun!”
Our school’s theater is more than just a stage—it’s a fully equipped professional production facility. The technology available rivals that of professional venues, a fact that often surprises guest speakers and visiting performers.
Director of Fine Arts Mr. Larry Mellone ’24H defines technical theater as "the art and science of designing and operating the behind-the-scenes elements that bring a performance to life—lighting, sound, stage management and more." Thanks to the school’s commitment to the arts and the generous support of the community, our theater has top-tier sound systems, lighting rigs and stage management tools that allow students to gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the job is working with students. Technical theater plays a crucial role in every production. From lighting and sound design to stage management, students get to explore every aspect of what makes a show come to life.
Students have the opportunity to experience this work beginning in fourth grade and may continue through Upper School. “Once students express interest, we train them in different positions,” Mr. Ronner explains. “Some stick with it through multiple productions, and I love seeing them develop their skills.”
Fifth grade student Sienna Tauber ’32, a dedicated student stage manager, shared her experience: “I have always loved managing things, and being behind the scenes showed me how everything comes together. During rehearsals, I kept track of actor positions, lines and formations. During the show, I called the cues for lighting changes, music, and microphone adjustments. It was so cool to see how all the tech came together. I felt really accomplished when the show went well.”
Fellow fifth grade student Rowan Kalis ’32, who worked behind the scenes changing the background projections, added, “I was really impressed with all the jobs that take place in the booth. I thought it was just a couple of people pushing buttons, but there’s so much more involved. I loved being able to jump in and help during technical difficulties—it was hands-on and exciting.”
Alex Kim ’33 and Henry Fox ’33, fourth grade students who both operated the spotlights, had unique insights as well. Alex explained, “I don’t like being on stage much, so working behind the scenes was perfect for me. Controlling the spotlight was fun—I learned how to adjust the light’s color, speed and positioning to keep the focus on the actors.” Henry added, “I loved discovering how changing the hue or shape of the light could enhance the show. It was amazing to see how much control we had to shape the audience’s experience.”
In every Fine Arts production, students take on many of the technical roles—operating lighting, managing the stage, and handling backdrops—while Mr. Ronner and his team provide guidance. Collaborations with PCTV and faculty members like Mr. Dave Burgess further enhance the experience, exposing students to professional recording and broadcasting techniques.
Many students who start in our program go on to pursue careers in theater and production. Alumnus Nate Pritzker ’23, for example, now works with professional productions in Boston and collaborates with Disney while studying at Emerson College. Students who participate in the Florida or International levels of Thespian Festivals now have the opportunity to compete in a newly added stage management category. Students showcase their work by submitting their marked-up scripts as part of their competition portfolios.
What makes our school’s performing arts facilities unique? The investment in top-tier technology and the emphasis on hands-on learning provide students with real-world experience that prepares students to step seamlessly into the world of professional theater. And none of it would be possible without the generosity of our philanthropic community. “When I attend shows, I talk to other technicians and compare gear,” Mr. Ronner shares. “Even at Broadway productions in New York, I’ve spoken to stage managers and realized we’re using the same software and tools. It’s exciting to see that level of capability reflected in our program,” Mr. Ronner notes. “By working with it in every Division of our school, our students gain a level of familiarity that makes transitioning to professional environments much easier.”
Additionally, the unwavering support from the school and philanthropic community ensures that our performing arts are not just keeping up, they are pushing forward, providing an experience that sets our students apart from day one. “People see the quality of our performances and recognize the care and expertise that go into making them happen,” said Mr. Ronner.
“Philanthropic support has been instrumental in building these incredible opportunities for students,” Mr. Mellone explains. “It has allowed us to invest in cutting-edge equipment and provide extensive training for our students. As a result, they leave our program confident and ready for professional opportunities.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Mellone envisions an even stronger future for technical theater at our school. "With continued philanthropic support, we can expand our offerings, bring in guest artists for masterclasses, and further integrate technical theater skills into our curriculum," he says. "The potential for our students to develop real-world expertise is limitless."
Technical theater is an art form in its own right, requiring precision, creativity and innovation. Every lighting cue, sound mix and backstage transition is a carefully orchestrated effort, allowing the magic of the stage to come to life. But beyond the productions themselves, the real impact is in the confidence, expertise and passion that students take with them long after the final curtain call.
Mr. Mellone also emphasized that students who may not want to be on stage have valuable opportunities in technical theater. "Some students are shy or prefer to avoid the spotlight, but they thrive in backstage roles," he explains. "Whether they're programming lighting cues, designing soundscapes, or managing props and set pieces, they are every bit the artist as those performing on stage. Their creative decisions dramatically affect the audience experience."
“Our goal is to not only produce high-quality performances but also to foster a love for technical theater,” Mr. Ronner says. “Seeing students take ownership of a production and run it successfully is incredibly rewarding.”
So the next time you’re captivated by a school performance, know that it’s more than just a show—it’s a testament to what’s possible when students have the tools, the support and the freedom to dream as big as they dare.
