For audiences watching a high school theatre production, the magic often happens onstage. But at Taylor High School in Katy ISD, senior Luca Kuhl is helping create that magic from behind the scenes, combining his love of engineering, technology and geography with a passion for storytelling.

A member of Mustang Theatre Thespian Troupe 311 for nearly four years, Kuhl has spent much of his high school career operating sound equipment, programming lighting, creating 3D models and designing sets. Now, as he prepares for graduation, he is taking those skills a step further with a project that brings real-world geographic data into the theatre.

His story is a reminder that some of the most meaningful learning experiences happen when students have opportunities to explore interests that might not seem connected at first. For Kuhl, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) have found a natural home in the performing arts.

From Childhood Productions to Katy ISD's Taylor High School Theatre Program

Kuhl's interest in technical theatre began long before he entered high school. As a child, he organized plays for family members, and by elementary school, he was already editing short films he created with his best friend.

Those early creative projects eventually grew into a more technical role at Taylor High School, where he discovered opportunities to combine artistic expression with the problem-solving skills he enjoys.

Now a senior taking Advanced Placement courses and ranking near the top of his class, Kuhl has become an important part of the Mustang Theatre program, contributing to productions in ways audiences may never see directly but certainly experience.

Bringing Real-World Maps to the Stage for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Kuhl's latest project is particularly ambitious. For Taylor Theatre's upcoming production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, he is developing digital projections that will help audiences follow the main character's movements throughout the story.

The project draws on his interests in satellite imagery, geography and digital modeling, using technology to add another layer to the audience's experience.

“I'm designing projections for the play,” Kuhl said. “Behind the set, there's going to be a projector that displays a map of where the main character is at all times. I'm figuring out how to get real-world data into a modeling program and how to make the videos to display it for the audience.”

The idea developed as Kuhl studied the script and considered how the production could communicate the protagonist's perspective. Rather than treating technology as a separate component, he saw an opportunity to make it part of the storytelling itself.

“I can put together my passion for mapmaking and technology with the elements that are already in the play to make the show more than I've ever seen,” Kuhl said.

For Katy-area families interested in supporting local high school performing arts, additional information about Taylor Theatre and its productions is available at mustangtheatre.org. 

Learning Leadership and Teamwork Behind the Curtain

While Kuhl's technical abilities have made him a valuable contributor to Taylor Theatre, his role within the troupe extends well beyond equipment and design.

As an officer with Mustang Theatre Thespian Troupe 311, he helps guide fellow students through the demands of putting together a production, from meeting deadlines to solving unexpected problems.

Mustang Theatre Director Sara Blumber has watched him develop into a steady presence among his peers.

“He's very level-headed,” Blumber said. “In the midst of chaotic teenage theatre kids, he provides the calm that the other kids can feed off of.”

That leadership has come with its own learning curve. Between theatre responsibilities and a demanding academic schedule that has included as many as four AP classes at once, Kuhl has learned to manage competing priorities, work through disagreements and communicate effectively with others.

Those experiences have also given him a firsthand introduction to the responsibilities that come with leading a team.

“I think the biggest thing I've learned is how to have a job and go into the real world,” Kuhl said. “I've learned what it's like to have a boss, and now that I'm leading the design and have a crew, I've learned what it's like to be a boss.”

Kuhl also credits his father with influencing how he approaches challenges, particularly the importance of examining different perspectives and thinking through decisions before taking action.

A Future in Engineering, Built on Creativity

With graduation approaching, Kuhl is considering several universities, including the University of Texas, McGill University and the University of Waterloo in Canada.

Although he has not made a final college decision, he plans to pursue engineering, a field that would allow him to continue developing the technical and analytical interests he has explored throughout high school.

His experience at Taylor High School illustrates how extracurricular activities can complement classroom learning. Technical theatre has given him opportunities to apply STEM concepts to real projects while developing communication, collaboration and leadership skills that will serve him in college and beyond.

It also offers a meaningful example for younger Katy ISD students who may be interested in both technology and the arts. Choosing one passion does not necessarily mean leaving another behind.

For Kuhl, what began with childhood family plays and elementary school filmmaking has grown into an experience that connects creativity, engineering and teamwork. And while audiences may remember the performances they see onstage, much of the work that makes those moments possible belongs to students like Kuhl, whose contributions happen largely out of sight.

As he prepares for the next chapter, Kuhl will leave Taylor High School with more than technical theatre experience. He will carry the lessons of working with others, solving problems and turning an idea into something an audience can experience.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more Katy ISD student achievements, school news and stories celebrating the young people making a difference throughout the Katy community.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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