The Differences & Similarities of High School Theatrical Woodworking and Professional Woodworking
As many of our customers and readers may know, Jay Schneller's technical theatre background during his high school careers inspired the creation of Schneller & Co. While manufacturing this company, there've been many instances that were and weren't comparable to constructing a set for high school performances. Today we will be guiding you through our journey as a company and two significant obstacles we had to learn from to make this company what it is.
More Variety Of Tools
Throughout our high school career in technical theatre, we were given the fantastic opportunity of being exposed to many power tools and resources that woodworkers use frequently. Being taught how to properly use miter, circular, table, jig, and hand saws to efficiently make our stage sets every semester; as well as using screw guns, drywall screws, sanders, wood glue, and different paints and wood stains. However, for this company to be brought up, we were required to broaden our skills in various tools.
With the beneficial handiness that was taught in high school, we then had to not only purchase power tools and saws for Jay Schneller's workshop but open the shopping cart to a planar and a router. In high school theatre, not everything needs to be precise since a majority of the shows put on, the audience is farther away. Therefore, merely using drywall screws for most projects and painting over them or a slightly warped piece of wood can be easily let go.
Though this happens in high school technical theatre, with professional woodworking, instruments such as a planar and router help make your work as orderly and clean as it can be since the buyer will be reasonably close to the product on a day to day basis.
Knowledge of Different Wood
With theatre carpentry most, if not all, the wood used to build a set is pine. The reason for this is because it is cheaper, but still durable wood, that nine times out of ten will be painted or wood stained over. With our cutting boards, especially, pine cannot always be the go-to for image purposes and durability. So during the creation of this company, we had to learn the sturdiness and appearance of different wood. Sturdiness is needed to determine how long a product would last and give the customers high quality to match the price point. Lastly, appearance is a significant factor for our cutting boards, testing whether different natural wood color and grain would clash or not.
Too many colors and textures on one product can drive customers away.
“Starting up Schneller & Co., I knew that I had a lot to learn for this company to be successful and am grateful that my technical theatre experience gave me a great foundation to do so.”
Theatrical and professional woodworking may vary in learning experiences, but both have shown significant accomplishments that have shaped the company and those a part of it. And as the company continues to evolve with woodworking, expect the best and newest products to come.
