Jefferson High Awarded Grant for Theater Lighting Upgrade

Nearly $80,000 state grant to fund new LED stage lighting and digital control system at Montana high school

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jefferson High School in Boulder, Montana, has been awarded a nearly $80,000 state grant to upgrade its theater lighting system. The funding, from Governor Greg Gianforte's Montana Main Street Grant program, will allow the school to replace its outdated manual lighting setup with a new LED stage lighting system and digital lighting control board. This follows the recent installation of a new sound system, marking significant investments in the school's performing arts facilities.

Why it matters

The upgrades to Jefferson High's theater will not only improve the quality of school productions, but also serve as a model for other rural schools seeking to enhance their arts education offerings. Access to modern technology can help level the playing field, allowing students in smaller communities to pursue their creative passions and develop valuable skills for potential careers in the performing arts.

The details

The current lighting system at Jefferson High is described as 'well past its prime,' requiring extensive manual labor for even basic adjustments. The new LED stage lighting and digital lighting board will allow for remote operation of the lights, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and saving time. This shift to digital control will also unlock creative possibilities for scene-specific lighting designs. Jefferson High will contribute over $28,000 in matching funds to the project.

  • The funding was awarded through Governor Greg Gianforte's Montana Main Street Grant program.
  • Installation of the new lighting system is scheduled to begin after basketball season ends in mid-March.

The players

Jefferson High School

A high school located in Boulder, Montana that is set to receive a significant upgrade to its theater lighting system.

Greg Gianforte

The Governor of Montana who oversees the Montana Main Street Grant program that is funding the lighting upgrades at Jefferson High School.

Mike Hesford

A drama teacher at Jefferson High School who explained the limitations of the current manual lighting system.

Erik Wilkerson

The Superintendent of Jefferson High School who emphasized the importance of the school's strong community ties in securing the funding.

Sunshine Productions

The company that installed the new sound system at Jefferson High School, reducing setup time from over three hours to just three minutes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Installation of the new lighting system is scheduled to begin after basketball season ends in mid-March.

The takeaway

This investment in Jefferson High's performing arts program could serve as a model for other rural schools seeking to enhance their arts education offerings. Access to modern technology can level the playing field, allowing students in smaller communities to pursue their creative passions and develop valuable skills.