During the Milton school board committee meeting on March 12, a new stage lighting system for the high school’s auditorium was approved.
The school district hired Eslinger Lighting Inc. from Enola to install new equipment for $297,000, Business Administrator Mr. Derrek Fink said.
According to High School Co-Principal Mr. Michael Bergey, he has had no regrets in the decision to update the stage’s lighting.
“After talking to other teachers, like (Milton Theatre Director) Mr. (Steven) Aguirre and (Milton Choir Director) Mr. (Eric) Bergmueller, we have had no doubt that this new installation will improve the auditorium,” he said.
“This is a welcome change. There were several lights in the auditorium that needed replaced, and this should make the experience for everyone involved in the auditorium a nicer one,” Mr. Aguirre added.
The new installation is scheduled to begin in the summer. It is expected to be completed by the end of summer to avoid needing to reschedule or relocate events in the auditorium, explained Mr. Bergey.
“I am excited for the installation because I get to help, and that will help me in my future job of a lighting designer,” said Sophomore Olivia Maynard, who has been the lighting director of several Milton musicals and plays.
“I’m also excited because I will get to train the staff on how to use it and hopefully other students for when I leave,” Olivia added.
According to Mr. Bergey, the simplicity of operating the lights from a singular iPad is one of the great benefits this upgrade will bring to the lighting operators.
“The new lighting system will allow our lighting crew to reach new heights in what they can do on our stage,” Mr. Aguirre said.
“The new abilities the lighting system will give me is easier programming because I will be able to do all the programming on the board and run the show on it as well,” according to Olivia.
