Whether it’s the roar of the crowd, the smell of the greasepaint or the glow of the lighting rig which tempts them, there’s no shortage of young aspiring theatre recruits.
However, while you’ll find there’s plenty of hopefuls wanting to tread the boards, thousands of jobs are still going unfilled behind-the-scenes within theatres. Creative & Cultural Skills has estimated that by 2017 the live events industry will need 30,000 skilled backstage and technical theatre workers. So, it certainly sounds like those wishing to break into the backstage crew should act now; after all, the show must go on.
Could it be that potential recruits for these roles are blinded by dreams of stardom, or could they be turned off by what they assume to be a role with limited earning potential? “Everyone sees what Broadway stars earn and think there are riches in theatre, but the reality is very long hours, very hard work and very low pay. It puts people off”, acclaimed theatre lighting designer Rick Fisher told The Independent. While some entry level roles in backstage theatre may begin at a lower basic wage, The Independent reported salaries can reach more into the regions of £30,000 as you progress. Rick believes that the incredibly rewarding experience of working within theatre outweighs the salary, stating he “wouldn’t get a proper job to save my life”.
So, if a career in the theatre tempts you, we’ve assembled a fantastic panel of experts who’ve been there, done that and got the ticket stub to provide you with insight about how to kick-start your career across the wide range of roles in theatre. So, from playing an instrument to finding out how to become a lighting designer or a wig maker, join us to explore your options on Friday 14 October between 1pm and 4pm – advance questions are welcome below.
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Our panel:
Derick Johnson is head of human resources at The Really Useful Group. The Really Useful Group is an international entertainment company, running major London theatres and producing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s works throughout the world.
Rob Young is course director for stage management & technical theatre at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Prior to joining LAMDA he spent 18 years as a production manager and stage manager in theatre, specialising in touring.
Darrell Mitchell has worked as HR manager for the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) for the past three years. Darrell has more than 20 years experience in HR at a senior level. The RSC runs a campaign dedicated to theatre careers called Think Theatre.
Christopher Clegg is a theatre producer and manager in the West End. Recently he had the musical BETWIXT! running at the Trafalgar Studios. He also manages The Ambassadors Theatre, and also runs a theatre design agency.
John Byrne is an entertainment industry career adviser. He writes a weekly Q&A advice column in The Stage newspaper, runs career advice sessions and is the author of several career guides.
Martin Roberts is south-west learning organiser for BECTU, UK’s media and entertainment trade union. Martin organises training throughout the area for members, in particular those working in the theatre. He is also currently working at the Princess Theatre as a chief electrician.
Kate Elliott is part of the training team for the union BECTU, organising training & education opportunities to help members further their careers and get on in their chosen profession. Prior to this she was a theatre wardrobe mistress for almost twenty years, working in the West End and touring both in the UK and abroad.
Maria Barrett is a lecturer in music, theatre and entertainment management at Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts. Her background is in making and managing theatre, as a director, administrator, actor, community artist and consultant. She has worked both in small scale touring theatre and in middle scale, and has run her own theatre companies.
Anthony Payne is head of student experience at York St John Uniersity, a role which includes management of student support services.
