Technician  Bootcamp with  Tim Clare

Many of us enjoy a night out at the theatre or relish getting absorbed into the silver screen. But have you thought about the army of backstage staff that allow you to enjoy your escape into another world?

Technical theatre is everything that helps a staged production run. It includes scenery, lighting, costuming and sound–not to mention rigging and special effects. So, what powers technical theatre? The technicians! AKA the legion of staff all in black, who carefully control the theatre space so that the show can go on. But due to a skill drain, we might be facing a Show Stop.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, live entertainment was an industry that stopped overnight. Theatres closed, staff were forced to find other income streams and those near to retirement welcomed it a little sooner. This situation has led to a real skills shortage in the industry.

As technicians are adaptable and highly prized by other industries, when the pandemic restrictions eased, many staff did not return to the theatre. This left space for new entrants, but sadly a lack of professionals to train and coach them.

At Warwick Arts Centre we have a team of 17 technicians and we are committed to bringing on new talent. We welcome the University of Warwick student groups, to upskill them into theatre, as well as facilitating work shadowing opportunities. So, when given the opportunity to collaborate with Stratford-upon-Avon College to improve the pipeline of new skilled technicians, I could not refuse.

In January we had the pleasure of hosting the Venue Technician Bootcamp at our theatre for an immersive day in lighting. Bootcampers joined our skilled technicians, Amanda, Ben, and Adam, delving into the essentials of lighting, while also gaining hands-on experience in rigging, focusing, and desk operation.

The Creative Venue Technician Bootcamp at Stratford College & Solihull College, provides training that equips participants to make an immediate impact in the industry. The Bootcamp facilitates networking opportunities and enables participants to forge valuable connections within the field. 

This course opens doors to potential apprenticeships and job opportunities with local venues, offering the prospect of long-term career growth in this dynamic field.

Supporting the Venue Technician Bootcamp initiative immediately resonated with me. Fostering the skills of the next generation in the industry is vital, and this experience lays a solid foundation for their future careers. For some bootcampers, it marked their first dive into the world of stage lighting.

Next time you are at a live performance, look a little closer and see if you can spot the incognito staff scurrying to keep the show running smoothly–maybe you’d even like to join us! 

Sign up to take part in the next Bootcamp happening in September 2024.