Humans of Head-Royce: Tech Theater Leader Russell Champa

Courtesey of Gabi Ekman

Russell Champa, the Technical Theater and Design instructor and Production Manager of the MEW and Performing Arts Department at the School, brings an array of skills and decades of experience to the forefront of the School’s performing arts department. He is a teacher for the Tech Theater class, where students help build the sets for the plays and musicals, discuss safety, and teach students about all the technical work that goes into a show. Champa is the guiding force behind the School’s technical theater and design aspects for almost all Upper School productions. His responsibilities include handling lighting and sound, crafting props, and facilitating overall set design. Champa’s passion for theater extends beyond his work at the School as he works as a lighting designer for professional theaters. 

Now in his third year at the School, Champa’s path to his role as our tech theater expert was shaped by his recent move to the Bay Area. With a career spanning over 40 years in theater, the closure of theaters due to COVID-19 led him to seek new opportunities as work in theater-related jobs was limited. His decision to join the School stemmed from a desire to share his knowledge, give back to the community, and “help usher in the next generation of theater artists” (along with some convincing by Drama Teacher and Director Andy Spear). 

Champa’s favorite aspect of his job is the opportunity to work closely with both students and faculty. He finds joy in engaging with students in class and collaborating for shows. However, he acknowledges that his work can be quite time-consuming, a testament to his commitment to his craft and students.

Reflecting on his time at the School, one of Champa’s favorite memories is the first project he worked on here, the 2021 Fall Play “The King, the Corpse, and the Cloak.” He recalls that it was exciting to figure out how to put on a play during a pandemic, including building an outdoor theater on the South Campus. Furthermore, Champa looks back fondly on the fun of last year’s production of “Chicago.”

Away from the theater, Champa is an avid lover of the outdoors. He enjoys biking, hiking, cooking, and spending quality time with his family and his dog and cat. He also used to play a lot of soccer and is still a big fan, cheering for teams like Chelsea, Real Madrid, the Oakland Roots, and the New York Red Bulls.

Champa’s skills and heartfelt dedication to the arts and education make us incredibly grateful to have him as an integral part of our community!