The Construction Technology Program at Big Sandy Community &

Technical College (BSCTC) is always hard at work building masterpiece homes in Cross

Creek, Johnson County. This past semester they expanded their blueprint to include the

theatrical set for the Appalachian Arts & Entertainment Awards (APPYS) held during

April at the Mountain Arts Center. In fact, this set was the largest set that has ever been

on the MAC stage.

 

When the Construction Technology Program was approached by BSCTC/MAC

Assistant Director of Fine Arts and APPYS Founder, Jill Hamlin, Professor Adam

McGinnis and his students were immediately excited to use their skills to diversify their

work. Students continued learning carpentry techniques while being an integral part of

stage production. “My students loved doing this project. We laid out the plans for the

stage on our Mayo Campus floor and chalked out all the lines that were the MAC stage.

They produced a series of 8’x8’ and 6’x8’ platforms with many angles as puzzle pieces to

form an intricate stage set. The actual assembly took place on the MAC stage, allowing

the construction students the opportunity to experience backstage and the production of

the performing arts.

 

Robert Daniels, Production Manager of the MAC stated, Professor McGinnis is “a

straight-up beast of a carpenter,” he continued, “Their work has made it possible for us

to have a huge set without shutting down the MAC for two months to accommodate the

build—which could never happen.”

 

The BSCTC Construction Technology Program prepares students with the skills and

knowledge necessary for a career in building homes and businesses. Students study

blueprint reading, site layout, foundation work, rough framing, roofing, finish work, cost

estimating and material preparation for construction sites as well as practical experience

in the carpentry shop.

 

BSCTC Interim President Telly Sellars remarked, “As Big Sandy in partnership with the

Mountain Arts Center, we are committed to the thriving community, and we dedicate

our very best to exemplary education that promotes the vision and talent of

Appalachians.”

 

A special thanks to Brian Phillips and the CDL Program (Hager Hill Campus) for

transporting the stage from Mayo to the MAC.