Deer Lakes senior takes set design all the way to Point Park University

Just three years ago, Noah Glaister never thought he’d enjoy working on the plays and musicals at Deer Lakes High School.

But with a little encouragement from his parents, he got involved in the behind-the-scenes work of the school’s productions. He quickly rose up through the ranks to work on eight shows, designing the sets and lighting.

“Not everyone thinks theater’s very important in the school districts, but I think it’s more important than athletics,” said Glaister, 18. “I think it brings a lot of joy to people.”

Now a senior, who graduates Thursday, he has more than $100,000 in scholarships to attend Point Park University. He was one of only 20 students to be accepted to the Conservatory of Performing Arts to major in theater design with a concentration in lighting and set design.

“I’m excited to see what the future brings,” he said.

Aaron Bollinger, chairman of the Point Park theater department, said Glaister will be able to grow and explore all the avenues set design can take him including theater, but also dance sets and installation work, among other things.

“I think he’s really taken it on his own to realize his artistic ability and really exercise that,” Bollinger said. “We look at him as a candidate with a lot of potential.”

Glaister has been awarded two Gene Kelly Awards — one this year for set design for “Mamma Mia!,” over which he had complete creative control, and the other for lighting design for “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Glaister was always artistic and spent much of his time sketching, which transitioned nicely to set design.

He spent months researching and planning each set he designed over the past few years, trying to perfect each one.

“I enjoy seeing it, but the only thing is: I always continue to say in my mind, ‘Oh, I should have done this (differently),” he said. “I’m never satisfied.”

He’s worked closely with his dad, who does woodworking, to build the sets.

His father, Bill Glaister, is impressed with his son’s work and looks forward to what else he is going to accomplish.

“I was glad he took the initiative to make his dream come from his mind, to the paper and then be able to build it,” he said.

Michelle Glaister said her son’s accomplishments are a big deal not only for the family, but also the school district as a whole.

“He’s very humble about it,” she said. “He doesn’t want all the attention.”

High School Principal Pat Baughman said it’s going to be hard to replace Glaister.

“He’s that good,” Baughman said. “He’s got a gift.”

As he heads to college, Glaister hopes to gain more experience and, hopefully, end up working on Broadway or on a television or movie set someday.

His ultimate dream job would be designing for “Les Misérables.”

“That’s my number one show,” he said.