An interview with Mr. Stahlecker about himself and his technical theater teaching career.

What is your life like outside of school?
I enjoy spending time with my family, Molly (my wife) and Henry (my son).  We enjoy taking our dog, Teddy, for walks and spending time in Colorado during most breaks.  I have a dune buggy that I enjoy working on during the weekends.  I also am an avid football fan.

What made you want to teach technical theater?
I have always wanted to be a teacher, but I found my passion for technical theatre after college when I worked at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.  I enjoy building and designing sets, my favorite part of technical theatre.

What is your favorite part about being a teacher at Vandegrift?
I love my students and the teachers around me.  Our environment is like none other I have been a part of.  The amount of drive that everyone has towards greatness is amazing, and it feeds my desire to teach.

What is your classroom environment like?
I would say that the environment is usually fairly laid back.  I want my students to feel safe and involved.  I try to make sure that each student feels that they have a voice, and in turn I believe that that gives way to more learning.

What is one fun fact about yourself?
I used to work for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus doing pyrotechnics and lighting.