Mengel will provide a hands-on look at stage lighting, rigging, construction, and painting to illustrate how these are used to create the theatrical illusion of reality. The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum College campus.

The title of the lecture comes from a comment from an audience member at the University of Alaska's production of "Burn This," after seeing the backside of the set. He was amazed that something looking so realistic could be made from scrap, cheap materials, and even garbage.

Those attending the lecture are advised to wear casual dress because of the hands-on nature of the presentation, part of Tusculum College Arts Outreach's Acts, Arts, Academia performance and lecture series.

Mengel joined Arts Outreach in 1998, coming to Tusculum from Anchorage, Alaska. In addition to his extensive skill as a theatrical technical director, he also has a broad knowledge of mathematics. Mengel has a master of arts degree from Wichita State University, and his experience in theater includes a long list of productions. He has received numerous awards and honors for his technical work, including Outstanding Technician for "Mommy Dance" in ActFest '95.

Admission to the lecture is $6. For further information about this or other events in the Acts, Arts, Academia performance and lecture series, contact Tusculum College Arts Outreach at 798-1620 or visit its web site at http://acts.tusculum.edu.

Acts, Arts Academia, a Tusculum College Arts Outreach program in partnership with Community Concerts, focuses on bringing a variety of cultural events to the region throughout the academic year. It is supported by Dr. Sam and Mrs. Mary Agnes Miller, the Society of Cicero, Tusculum College Campus Life, and Arts Outreach.