Stagecraft Tools for the Apocalypse

A Life-Long Learning Series Applying Arts-Based Tools For Sustainability, Survival, and Joy

Second Sundays of each month!

Actors Theatre of Louisville and Louisville Tool Library are partnering to offer a monthly series of hands-on community workshops teaching a variety of skills learned from adventures onstage, backstage, and balancing life in the arts that can come in handy in the apocalypse!!

UPCOMING SESSIONS
‍
Sunday, September 14 - Cordage: How To Make String Out of (Almost) Anything
2:30p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Louisville Tool Library
1227 Logan Street
When store-bought rope isn’t available, knowing how to make your own can be invaluable. Join facilitator and local artist, Jessica Beels, for this hands-on workshop exploring the art of cordage-making, using modern materials and applications.

‍

Learn to transform everyday items into string by using unconventional materials. This essential skill bridges creativity and survival preparedness!

Jessica encourages participants to bring mystery materials from home—such as old t-shirts (which we will cut up together), plastic shopping bags, dried daffodil or iris leaves, long grasses, newspaper, fabric remnants, or paper—to test the limits of what can become cordage. Any, or all, of these materials are welcome. You don’t need to bring a large quantity to learn.

‍

This workshop offers practical skills for both creative projects and survival situations.

‍

All skill levels are welcome. Basic materials will be provided, but bring your own experimental items to maximize the learning experience—plus fabric scissors, if you have them!
‍

PAST SESSIONS

Sunday, August 10 - Electrics Basics
2:30p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Actors Theatre of Louisville
316 W Main Street
When the lights go out, you'll be ready. Join our hands-on workshop at Actors Theatre of Louisville, where you'll master essential electrical skills that every prepared individual should know. Learn to repair frayed electrical cords, breathe new life into broken lamps, and transform ordinary objects—like a stack of old books—into functional lighting. Our expert lighting supervisor, Dani Clifford, will guide you through each technique and provide personalized troubleshooting for any portable electrical items you bring to the workshop. You'll leave equipped with practical know-how and step-by-step guides for tackling common electrical repairs on your own. As a special bonus, your experience will include a backstage tour of Actors Theatre of Louisville, giving you an insider's look at professional theatrical operations.

‍

Sunday, July 13 - The Sweet Escape
2:30p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Paul Owen Production Studio
1400 S 9th Street
Join Actors Theatre of Louisville's Interim Artistic Director Amelia Acosta-Powell and Development Director Lacey Trautwein for essential survival skills in this month's session. Learn to pack the perfect emergency go-bag and master the art of changing your vehicle's air filter—because when the curtain falls on civilization, you'll want to make a clean getaway. This hands-on workshop blends practical know-how with a dash of theatrical flair, offering useful, real-world skills that anyone can learn. Whether you're a seasoned prepper or just curious about how to take care of yourself in a pinch, you'll walk away with confidence, a few laughs, and maybe even a new spark for self-sufficiency. *Closed-toe shoes required

‍

Sunday, June 8 - From Seed to Seed: Container Gardening & Seed Saving Workshop
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Louisville Tool Library
1227 Logan Street
Join Jody Dahmer from Beargrass Thunder and the Louisville Seedbank for a hands-on workshop that takes you through the complete lifecycle of plants—from seed to harvest and back to seed again! Perfect for gardeners with limited space, this session will teach you how to grow abundant food in containers while preserving genetic diversity through seed saving. Learn practical techniques for successful container gardening, discover which varieties thrive in small spaces, and master the art of collecting and storing seeds for future seasons. Take home knowledge that connects you to centuries of gardening tradition while building resilience in our local food system. All experience levels welcome!‍

‍‍

Sunday, May 11 - Sustainable Crafting
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Louisville Tool Library
Celebrate Mother's Day with Actors Theatre of Louisville and the Louisville Tool Library! Grab your mom, daughter, auntie, or friends and join ATL Business Administrator Norman Dixon and LACE Coordinator Carly Riggs for our sustainable crafting workshop. Use everyday paper and ephemera to create a unique collaged card to give to Mom or to a friend! Crafting is a fantastic way to maintain joy amid chaos, and everyone loves to receive a card in the mail! Supplies will be provided on site, but participants are welcome to bring personal photos or paper mementos if desired.

‍

Sunday, April 13 - Hand Sewing Basics
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Louisville Tool Library
Are you tired of fast fashion but don't know how to make the most of the clothes already in your closet? Or perhaps you found a rare vintage gem while thrifting, but it's missing a couple of buttons and you're afraid to attempt a repair? Join Actors Theatre Costume Shop Supervisor Anna Jenny, Props Supervisor Katelin Ashcraft, and Production Technician Jessica Hughes to learn how to sew a button, create a travel sewing kit, and mend an item with a decorative patch. Drop in for one tutorial, or hang out for the full afternoon and experience all three. All necessary supplies provided on site, but participants are welcome to bring personal projects and receive support.

‍