Thanks for all the replies. They all certainly made me laugh, and I certainly needed it!  I may even try the rotisserie things to see if it works.  

I hearby submit my application to TUABHD!

Now we need a slogan/motto.....

I'm a theatre arts teacher, so I can understand that when the cast's acting is running behind there is a temptation to short change the tech.  However, it is highly unadvisable.

I would personally approach this teacher from the following point of view:  how vital is the set and your technical cues to the telling of the story?  Does the audience lose interest when they are stuck watching scene changes for 2 minutes?  Do they get up and leave the auditorium, looking for the bathroom, thinking the play is over but instead there's a problem with the lights?

If these issues are not important to her, then maybe she should do away with the technical end and perform on a bare stage without costumes--not unheard of.  If they are important to her, suggest that she add another 2 weeks into rehearsal, carefully scheduling them out so she has enough time to accomplish everything.  If her actors aren't off book on time, have her make them sit in a circle, start at the top of the first page, and say their lines.  Each time someone gets even 1 line wrong, make them go back to the top of the page.  One rehearsal like this usually insures that each person is off book at the next rehearsal.

When she's willing to listen to reason (and during performances and right after a play is over may not be the right times to broach this subject), talk about what it's like to be a tech person--how the cast has had months to learn their parts, but you are expected to know everything in 1 day--and sometimes in 30 seconds.  Inform her that you are all part of the same team, striving to meet the same goal.

Lastly, suggest she contact other drama teachers in the area.  Go to other school's plays, go to teacher's conventions, etc.  Even just call up the local CT to get some answers.  If you think she would be open to some advice, have her log on to this site and private message me.  I'd be willing to share my experience, as I am sure there are others.

Show your maturity by choosing your time wisely, by having an attitude of improving the program (which seems like she cares about), and by carefully bringing up these different points.  If I had a student like you, I would greatly admire you for your professionalism.