Arts Student of the Week Marik Magginetti

While Niwot High School students were sweeping the house before the preshow for "Beauty and the Beast," they learned that the show had sold out. For Marik Magginetti, a sophomore technical theater student involved in the production, it was one of his most memorable moments. "I remember actors running up the aisles and backstage to spread the news," Magginetti said.

Another unforgettable moment occurred at the Bobby G awards, a state-wide high school musical theater program that recognizes Colorado students and educators in the areas of performance, design, direction, choreography, musical direction, orchestration, stage management, technical production, and overall production excellence. "It was the second that it was announced that the students won the award for scenic design," Magginetti said. "Another first for NHS. I screamed so loud that a buddy from another school who was there told me he could hear me from across the theater."

Magginetti credits his technical theater teacher, Jason Watkins, for giving the students opportunities in the theater program that no other students in the district have experienced. "So far, he's gotten three professionals in the industry to talk to us about the science of stage lighting, knots that the students need to know in a professional environment, and a general understanding of what to expect in the industry," Magginetti said.

From a technical perspective Magginetti has been able to learn many aspects of the theater. He has used confetti cannons in the catwalk and explained lighting to middle schoolers. "Our theater program at Niwot is amazing," Magginetti said, "and I am very lucky to be able to be a part of it."

Watkins, who selected Magginetti as Arts Student of the Week, said, "Magginetti has a deep genuine desire to learn and absorb everything about the technical aspects of the performing arts. Marik's drive is to be as knowledgeable as possible for future career choices. Marik is confident in his abilities and is very dependable to make sure a show happens smoothly while making the performer look and sound the best he can."

Though Magginetti claims that he got tricked into participating in the theater program, it is not something he regrets. In a meeting with the NHS principal to discuss class options, Magginetti learned that the tech crew students were paid. Magginetti immediately signed on. "The principal neglected to mention only second years in tech get paid," Magginetti explained. "And only for specific gigs." But he soon learned lighting, how to operate a table saw, and how to set up the scaffold, among other skills.

"Once I settled into a normal routine, I fell in love with the work. Every day I would show up, get assigned a task, and leave with the pride of a job well done." Eventually, Magginetti became friends with almost the entire crew, having fun with friends while getting jobs done. "In short, I love the work," he added.

Magginetti is quick to admit that many theater techs have influenced his career in the theater. "Almost everybody in tech taught me one thing or another. Victor Valdez is one. He showed me the ropes of a couple things. He spent an hour running me through the lightboard, for one."

The biggest secret Magginetti says he has learned in technical theater is that Jason Watkins is "a giant softie."

"During our production of 'Puffs!' I was house manager, and me and my crew, as well as Watkins, were sitting around writing wand descriptions so we could spice up the wands we were selling. He called me over to 'proofread' his, and it tells a story of a crew of wizards who were amazing and did this and that, with the names of each thinly veiled representing mine and my crews, indirectly directly thanking me and my crew for our work."

When he is not involved in theater, Magginetti practices a sport that he says has three different names. "Obstacle course racing is one," he said. "Some people call it 'ninja,' which hurts. When I describe it to people, I just say, 'You know the show "American Ninja Warrior," I do that stuff.'" And he is good at it, too. A few years ago, Magginetti went to the nationals in Las Vegas and came in 66th in his age group.

In the near future, Magginetti plans to join The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, (IATSE), work his way up the ladder, and get training for rigging. "Become one of the guys that climb up to rafters of whatever venue and set up equipment that needs set up," he explained. "It pays well, and my resume is stacked with theater work."

The other thing he hopes to do, he says, "is become a mountain hermit living off the land and forging swords of unrivaled quality, drinking tea on sun-warmed rocks in the middle of a river, and giving sage advice to any passersby. Or I could open a bed and breakfast on a forgotten path in a forest, trading my services for the stories of travelers. Ending every day by the fireplace in a lovely leather chair, writing books or poetry or whatever strikes my fancy as I watch the fire fade. My establishment will soon fade into folklore and I will become a creature of myth and legend."

Jason Watkins is optimistic about Magginetti's future. "Watch for great things to come from him in the future," Watkins said.