Three Backstage Production Arts students from Stratford-upon-Avon College are in for a magical time as they undertake work experience at Stratford upon Avon School.
The students are working as the technical team on the school’s production of Mary Poppins this December and will ensure that the lights and sound are practically perfect in every way.
Charlie Betts, 17 from Wellesbourne, Luke Ellis, 17 from Moreton and Scarlett Court, 20 from Stratford-upon-Avon are all in their second year of the Backstage Production Arts course at the College and are undertaking various roles to support the neighbouring school’s production.
The school reached out looking for tech support and the three students all volunteered as it offered the opportunity to practise their skills, use different equipment and gain experience.
Charlie will be operating the sound desk and is excited about the opportunity: “I used to go to this school when I was younger and was part of the tech team then, so I know how to use the desk. I always said I wanted to come back and help on shows!”
Luke will be working as a lighting operator and is grateful for the opportunity to build his portfolio: “It’s great to be building experience working in a different setting outside of college. I want to go into sound later on but any experience I can get in the world of tech is great for me.”
Scarlett will be working as a Swing for both roles, being prepared to support and/or cover one of the technical roles if required. Scarlett has already benefited from work experience locally at the Bear Pit theatre so is exciting to be working at another venue in Stratford: “It’s great to work with a different level of performer and to be involved with a different type of theatre. All of this will allow me to build my experience.” Scarlett plans to either go to university to study Stage Management or go straight into industry after college.
Scarlett’s college experience has helped shaped her in several ways: “Obviously all of my technical skills I can bring, but also I have learnt things at college like resilience and thinking on my feet.”
Head of Technical Theatre, Louise Millward, is delighted about the work the students are undertaking: “I am really proud of the new relationship we are building with Stratford High, as a local school to us it is important to collaborate when we can, to hopefully inspire the next generation of technicians and to showcase our Backstage Production Arts course and the students that are on it. Working with Stratford High has been a real pleasure for our Tech students. It is vital that Technical Theatre students go out and gain work experience working in a variety of settings as theatre technicians, this not only allows them to gain valuable experience but, will aid them in the development of both professional and personal skills.”
Curriculum Leader for the Performing Arts at Stratford-upon-Avon School, Adele Thomas, is extremely pleased to welcome the students on board the production: “Having them involved in the show is highly beneficial for our school students. I am hoping as we continue that their mentorship helps our budding technical theatre arts students gain confidence, broaden their understanding of backstage roles, and see what possibilities lie ahead in further education and the professional world.
“We absolutely hope to continue collaborating in the future. Partnerships like this build strong creative communities, open pathways for continued learning, and ensure our students receive the best support as they grow. We look forward to many more opportunities to work together and create exceptional theatre.”
The production is on from the 15th to the 17th December.
