Visual, Performing & Digital Arts Classes
Spring Classes Begin the Week of January 27, 2025
Backstage Production
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!
Ages: 10+, All Abilities Welcome
When: Wednesdays from 4:30 – 6:30 PM (August 27 – December 17, 2025)*
Where: JDS Studio, Temecula, CA
Cost: $500 plus a $48 registration fee
Payment plans available: $125/month (4 classes/month)
📅 Class Schedule:
Starting August 27th, classes will meet on the following dates:
August 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19, (*No class Thanksgiving week)
December 3, 10, 17
Scholarships are available for all who enroll. Fill out an application after registration. 📣 Winter Showcase: December 19th (Show Preview), 20th, & 21st, 2025
Backstage Production students will collaborate with our Scriptwriting, Musical Theater, and Film programs to bring this semester’s creative work to life.
Click Enroll to Sign Up
Scholarship Application can be submitted once registration fee is paid.
Select an option above to proceed.
Meet Your Instructors:
Katie McColm: Katie got her start in the arts and theatre at Laguna Beach High. Following high school, she got her cosmetology license. This is where she was first introduced to color theory and design principles. Soon after she was introduced to fire spinning and started her own fire spinning production company where she had a 6 year artist residency at the downtown Anaheim Art Crawl, and was featured on the KTLA morning show for Elvis Days at OC Fair. During this she became skilled at making and sourcing props, sets, and costumes for the production company. She also showcased her visual art all over Los Angeles and Orange County, including at RAW Artists and Art & Chocolate events. Katie has been featured in several newspapers, including LA Weekly and OC Register. When the pandemic hit, she decided to go back to college and graduated Cum Laude with a degree in interior design. After working for a small local design firm and several furniture stores, she was offered an opportunity to work at JDS Creative Academy - where she has already set the bar high designing the studio for DigiFest and creating the sets, props and costumes for Wizard of Oz.
About the Class:
Ever wondered what it takes to make a live theater production truly magical? This hands-on class is your chance to dive into the world of backstage production! Led by our experienced Creative Director, you’ll learn the essential skills of set construction, lighting design, costume creation, and prop making—everything that happens behind the scenes to make a show shine. Whether you dream of working in theater, film, or live entertainment or simply want to try something new, this class will teach you the fundamentals of theatrical production and help you build the confidence to take on backstage responsibilities. By the end of the session, you’ll have gained practical experience by working on a live production, contributing your skills to an exciting final showcase!
What You'll Learn
Set Construction– Build and design immersive stage environments.
Lighting Design– Learn how lighting sets the mood and enhances storytelling.
Costume Creation– Design and assemble costumes that bring characters to life.
Prop Making– Construct props that add realism and detail to a performance.
Stage Management – Understand the logistics of running a live production.
Why Take This Class:
Get Hands-On Experience – Work directly on real theater productions.
Collaborate with a Team – Develop teamwork and communication skills.
Boost Your Confidence – Learn technical skills that will prepare you for future opportunities.
Unleash Your Creativity – Design and create sets, props, and costumes from scratch.
Expand Your Knowledge – Gain insight into the world of theatrical production.
