SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Earlier this month, the Sylacauga Board of Education approved a change order in the amount of $1,726.73 for the purchase of an HVAC system for the future Black Box Theater at Sylacauga High School.
The Black Box Theater project stems from Alabama Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth’s K-12 grant that was awarded in 2023 for the renovation of a former choral department classroom for use as a Black Box Theater.
Sylacauga City Schools Superintendent Dr. Michele Eller said, “This is a passion of mine for students to have their own space for hands-on experiences, not just acting on the future black box stage, but by learning audio engineering, set design, and more.”
Eller’s background includes a 16-year tenure as a language arts teacher, but also teaching theater for 12 years at both Edgewood Academy and Elmore County High School. Additionally, she served for 7 years on the Alabama Conference of Theatre Executive Board.
“Besides having access to something beyond an everyday classroom, this addition will give students the chance to find their own passion, but also to earn scholarships, and even to make a living,” Eller pointed out.
Eller went on to detail some of her former students whose careers encompass a lot of the areas the Black Box Theater experience can afford them.
“It’s a rewarding feeling, knowing that sharing my passion can and does lead to career opportunities. It is what education is supposed to offer – opportunities.”
