As the Technical Director for the Design & Production CTE program within LACHSA’s Theatre Department, Liz Czypinski’s dedication and passion for this growing Interdisciplinary Arts program can be seen at every level of its exemplary arts instruction.
The program serves as a vital training ground for students pursuing careers in technical theatre, design, and production management, supporting an average of over 40 productions and events annually across all conservatories (Cinematic Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts).
The LACHSA Foundation sat down with Liz to dive a little deeper into the program and her vision as its conservatory educational expert and leader:
How long have you been working at LACHSA and what drew you to LACHSA?
I began working at LACHSA during the 2016-2017 school year. I was drawn to LACHSA because it brings together high-level artistic training and academic excellence in a way that truly prepares students for professional creative careers. The emphasis on collaboration, discipline, and real-world expectations strongly aligned with my own background and values.
Tell us a little about your background.
I’m a Southern California native with a professional background rooted in large-scale production coordination and operations. Early in my career, I worked in high-profile security and logistics roles, managing large teams for major productions and nationally televised broadcasts, including the Academy Awards.
I later worked in special events at Walt Disney Studios, supporting world premieres and live productions, which deepened my understanding of how creative vision and technical execution come together. That experience eventually led me into education, where I earned my California Teaching Credential and began working in public schools. Today, I get to bring all of those experiences together in my work at LACHSA, helping students develop both the skills and confidence they need to succeed in design and production.
Can you tell us about the Design and Production CTE program?
The Design & Production CTE program prepares students for careers in technical theatre and live entertainment by giving them hands-on experience in scenic, lighting, sound, costume, and stage management disciplines. Students work collaboratively on productions while learning industry-standard practices, safety, and design processes. The program mirrors professional production environments and emphasizes accountability, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.
How many student artists are in the program?
The program currently serves 24 students (and growing), with participation across multiple grade levels and varying areas of specialization within Design & Production.
What are the skills they focus on?
Students develop skills in both the design and technical operation of live performance.
On the design side, students learn how to interpret scripts, develop concepts, and communicate ideas through scenic, lighting, sound, costume, and props design. They explore the creative process from initial research and drafting to collaboration with directors and designers.
On the technical side, students receive hands-on training in the operation and execution of those designs, including scenic construction, lighting and sound systems, backstage operations, and stage management. Throughout the program, there is a strong emphasis on safety, professionalism, and industry-standard practices. As students advance through Stagecraft levels 1, 2, and 3, they take on increasing responsibility, building leadership skills while learning how to bring a production from concept to performance.
Here are just a few photos of Design & Production student artists at LACHSA:
What are your future plans for the program?
Our future goals include continuing to strengthen the curriculum, expanding access to industry-standard tools and technology, and creating more opportunities for students to connect with professional designers, technicians, and arts organizations. I want to ensure our students graduate with both strong creative voices and the practical skills needed to succeed beyond high school.
What is something interesting about you that the LACHSA community may not know about you?
People might be surprised to know that I love to travel. I’ve visited over 20 countries and more than 30 U.S. states. One of my goals is to visit all seven continents. Experiencing different cultures, landscapes, and ways of life has given me a fresh perspective that I enjoy bringing into my work with students.
What do you consider your biggest success at LACHSA to date or what are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of building and nurturing a Design & Production program that challenges students while also creating a supportive, collaborative environment. Watching students grow in confidence, take ownership of their work, and support one another throughout the production process has been incredibly rewarding. Being able to combine hands-on technical training with real-world problem-solving skills—and see students thrive both creatively and personally—is what I consider my biggest success at LACHSA.
What do you love most about working at LACHSA?
What I love most about working at LACHSA is the students. Their creativity, drive, and willingness to rise to high expectations are inspiring. I also love seeing a production come together successfully and witnessing the audience’s reaction—moments like that are a clear reminder that we’ve done our job and the hard work has paid off. Being part of a community that truly values the arts, fosters collaboration, and encourages professional growth makes every day incredibly rewarding.
The LACHSA Foundation extends our gratitude to The John C. Hench Foundation for its continuous support of the Design & Production CTE program within LACHSA’s Theatre Department.
Learn more from Technical Director Liz Czypinski and Echo Brejcha (Design & Production ’25)!
This video, produced and hosted by LACOE, highlights the technical skills, artistic vision, and the collaborative environment that shapes their journey. Enjoy the artistic excellence that happens behind the scenes! They got to share a bit of their story and why they chose to pursue Design & Production at LACHSA!
