Special effects class gives Merced students Hollywood skills to help ‘bloom into who they are’

Golden Valley High School students in Merced are learning movie special effects through a district arts, media and entertainment pathway. Their work was put to the test at a Halloween-themed run at Lake Yosemite, where students wore monsters’ masks and costumes they had made. Teacher Amber Kirby said the class teaches both realistic design and practical considerations, including whether performers can see, breathe and move in their costumes. Students also learn makeup techniques such as aging actors and creating bruises.