As a new season of the Dazzle Awards begins, and as we approach the start of the program’s Tech & Design Classes, we want to celebrate our Technical Apprentices who learn about stage management through our apprenticeship program. Technical Apprentices spend the rehearsal week leading up to the Dazzle Awards being mentored by Playhouse Square staff as well as industry technicians, designers, and stage managers on how to create and operate an artistic and smooth production.
We sat down with 2026 Technical Apprentice Carmen Chen to discuss her experiences with the program. Carmen is now a senior at Independence High School and was the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of the Dazzle Awards, which goes to the student who most embodies camaraderie, passion and an infectiously positive attitude throughout rehearsal week as identified by the Dazzle Awards creative team. Carmen is the first Dazzle Awards Technical Apprentice to receive this honor.
PSQ: What first made you interested in theater? How did you get involved as a technician?
Carmen: I became interested in theater around the end of middle school as I was going through a really rough time. I found that theater gave me a connection to something. At the time I didn't know what it was, but now looking back I see that I was looking for belonging. I really found that within the STARS program at Playhouse Square. I credit who I am today and what I have become to the RedCoats who always had the best advice and were the most incredible community, especially to a growing teenager. I got involved in technical theater because I wanted to bridge the world between my love for theater and my love for engineering. I love the art of telling stories so much. Technical theater allows me to use my passion for science to be a part of these great things. I think it shows that theater is for everyone. My director, Mrs. O, showed me that everyone has a place. She saw my fondness for tech and pushed me in the right direction, which led me to find my passion and really drove everything in motion. Even my band director, Mr. Greene, pushed me to do what I love - even when things got hard.
PSQ: What is your favorite specialty of technical theater? Carpentry, run-crew, lighting, etc.
Carmen: I specialize in stage management, but I really love doing everything backstage.
PSQ: What did it mean to you when Dazzle Awards Ceremony Director Connor Gallagher recognized you with The Spirit of the Dazzle Awards?
Carmen: It was an amazing honor! It really cemented the feeling of belonging to me. Coming from a small school, I never knew where I fit in. Even throughout my theater career I have felt this kind of imposter syndrome. I think it also really showed me that the people who you will want to be around will love you as you are. Receiving this award from such an amazingly talented director and human as Connor Gallagher is really insane to me.
PSQ: What is your favorite memory of the 2026 Dazzle Awards?
Carmen: My favorite memory of the 2026 Dazzle Awards was the pure fun that commenced backstage. There was truly never a dull moment. Long pauses on stage meant line dances on stage right. Everyone in the cast grew immensely close, and I will never forget the moments with the Dazzle Awards team and Playhouse Square staff - Assistant Stage Managers Whitney Miller & Julie C. Okuley, Education Content Production Coordinator Ananias J. Dixon and Education Programs Managers Emily Suman and Amber McIntyre always made me feel loved and supported.
PSQ: You were a Technical Apprentice for both the 2025 and 2026 Dazzle Awards. What advice would you give to a young technician who is thinking about applying?
Carmen: My strongest piece of advice is cheesy, but honestly, be true to yourself. Be who you are, be vulnerable, and be honest. Art is to be felt, and to be human is to feel. Even though technicians are not seen on stage, you are still a part of the telling of the story. Every role has a purpose and is just as important as another. Be proud of the role you play, whatever it may be. Be proud of the story you are telling and the art you are creating.
PSQ: Why do you think theater is important for high school students? What has been the most valuable lesson it has taught you?
Carmen: Theater is such an important creative outlet for students. It has always been a place where everyone belongs. I can quite literally and honestly say that theater helped me in ways I could never explain. Hearing and portraying stories that aren't typically told helps people feel seen. A great example of this is the impact theater has on mental health. One of my favorite shows, Next to Normal, shows the impact of mental health struggles. During my time on that show at Near West Theater, I felt seen, cared for, and not alone. On the other hand, many people find their passion for art in these very times. As I said before, art makes us feel, and to feel is to be human. Society cannot exist without the existence of art and humanities. The most important lesson I learned is that there will always be people who will love you for who you are. People who you can't be your true self around are not people you should be around.
Dazzle Awards Technical Apprentice applications will be available in Spring 2027. For updates on the Dazzle Awards, please visit our website and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.