Have you ever wondered who was behind the scenes of the musical sets here at De Soto High School? You don’t have to wonder anymore.

Senior Sam Carlson has been the mastermind behind the sets for every DHS show since Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in 2015.

Originally, Carlson did not get into Stagecraft because he was interested in being a part of the musical, or knew he had a talent for design.

“I got into Stagecraft because I thought it would be an easy credit,” Carlson said.

Carlson’s biggest set that he helped build was the house for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

The house for the show stretched across the whole DHS stage.

“I enjoyed working on the house because it was a great feeling to know that you helped put together something so big,” Carlson said.  

Carlson’s favorite part of the whole process is getting to see all his hard work turned into something so featured in the shows.

“I like the early design phase, but there is no better feeling than peeling off the tape and seeing everything come together.”  

Carlson does not only physically execute the ideas on the stage, but he also uses three dimensional technology to map out his ideas.   

Thanks to Jason Hagg’s Stagecraft class, Carlson plans to attend Kansas State University next fall for Planning and Design.

“The past three years Sam’s designs and artistic skill set have truly enhanced every show, [he] will be greatly missed and is leaving an amazing legacy on the DHS theater program,” Hagg said.

Carlson will be showcasing his designs and artwork for the last time at DHS for the 2018 spring musical.