Careers Clinic: technical training special

How can I find a course that won’t limit my options to one area?

I have become my school’s ‘go to’ tech person for theatre shows, including working on lights, sound, stage construction and wardrobe (as you can tell, it is a small school!). I want to train in technical work full-time when I leave, but am still unsure of the area in which I most want to work. What’s your advice on finding a course to give me the widest possible options?

I know many people in our business who have found their true calling only after years of working in a variety of different roles, but I do agree that being able to try a number of career directions for size sooner rather than later could make that ultimate decision much easier.

I asked Diane Favell, RADA’s co-director of technical training, for her tips on finding such a course. Here is what she suggests:

“When looking for a technical theatre course, think about what is important to you. See how many of the backstage areas are included early in the course to allow you time to specialise once you have decided which area you would most like to pursue. Would you be working on live shows? How intensive is the course? What are the facilities like? How much paperwork is involved? What qualification would you gain?

“When you find a course, check whether they do an open day so you can see if you feel comfortable in the surroundings.

“RADA offers a foundation degree course that has a rotation of teaching in a broad range of disciplines in the first year, with a chance to specialise in the second, followed by the chance to take the course to a BA in the third year.

“It is always good to compare different colleges and, meanwhile, try to get some more experience, maybe by offering your services at the local theatre, or asking if you can shadow some of the technicians. I wish you luck in your chosen career.”

What should I expect from an interview for a tech course?

From starting out as an actor in several theatre in education and community companies, where I was increasingly involved on the technical side, I now want to retrain formally in this area. I remember having to prep monologues and songs for my drama course auditions, but wondered what the interview format for a typical technical course might look like?

The process in technical and design courses tends to be more open and informal than that of acting courses, according to Hansjörg Schmidt, the new deputy director of production arts at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

‘’Some courses may ask for portfolios or another document that tells the interviewer something about an applicant’s background. Generally, decisions about offers are taken at interview, with the portfolio/supporting documentation used as a conversation starter as much as evidence of previous experience and relevant skills,” he explains.

’Remember that you’re joining as a learner, so having lots of questions to ask is good’

“Having a portfolio or similar (analogue or digital) that expresses who you are/how you see yourself as an emerging creative performance maker is definitely useful. It’s also good to watch plenty of live shows and projects so you can refer to those at the interview. Remember that you are joining a course as a learner, not as a fully formed professional, so having lots of questions to ask is good.

“Never feel that you are somehow not good enough or haven’t got the right skills to apply. Let the interviewer decide.’’

What qualities make for a successful theatre technician?

What qualities do you think make for a successful theatre technician and how can training help me develop them?

I’ve always believed that along with the valuable advice you can get from long-timers in the business, advice from those ‘one step ahead’ can be relevant too. In that spirit, I put your question to James Gava, aged 19, who took part in the National Theatre’s Young Technicians programme before going on to join RADA’s Youth Company: Theatre Production course as sound designer and operator.

’Don’t be scared to share your ideas with others, because every idea is valuable’

Now studying media, here are some qualities he feels he has learned: “I think the main ones would be confidence and trusting your creative side. Don’t be scared to share your ideas with others, because every idea is valuable. Make sure you are open to advice and learning from others and building together: working as a team will make whatever project you’re doing more successful.”

He continues: “The NT’s free Young Technicians programme helped me develop confidence, teamwork and practical skills and learn about the many roles involved in theatre. Through their alumni network, I will be working backstage at the NT’s River Stage festival this summer, supporting with sound, lighting and staging.

“Lastly, it’s important to have fun and enjoy yourself. There will be bumps in the road, but carry on and be optimistic. It will work out in the end.”

How can I get hair/make-up practice without any shows to work on?

My career goal is wigs, hair and make-up, but unfortunately my school doesn’t put on any shows where I can practise. I read books on backstage and technical work and can’t wait to start my theatre tech course next year, but do you have any ‘hands-on’ tips for what else I could be doing in advance?

If there is anybody with a wide range of hands-on experience across the technical, production and creative sectors it is Anette Ollerearnshaw, who has worked with the English National Opera, at Shakespeare’s Globe and at London’s Barbican Theatre, among many other credits.

Although you mention ‘specialising’ in wigs, hair and make-up, when I ran your query past Anette, she reminded me that, even within this, there can be many career paths including hair styling and colouring, wig making, character and beauty make-up, body painting, prosthetics and even special FX dentures and contact lenses.

She continues: “A great asset, once you enter the industry, is to have a wide understanding about all of these career paths and a good foundation of basic skills. Opportunities can appear from all angles. Being ready and open to making the most of them can be the key to a successful career.

“My golden nugget of advice is to find a hairdressing apprenticeship or work experience at a salon, as well as working on a make-up counter to gain material knowledge and people skills. Fifty percent of the job in wigs, hair and make-up artistry is working with humans as your canvas and within creative teams, so customer service and collaboration is vital.

“If neither of these are an option for you, you can also persuade your friends and family to spare some time for you to try looks and characters on them. Don’t forget to document the process and the final look, so that when applying for courses the tutor can get an insight into how you build a project and overcome challenges.

“It’s important also to seek to create a portfolio that shows as much human diversity as you can, including young, old, different skin tones, hair textures and colours. Along with your local theatre, you might connect with amateur performing arts groups, sixth-form colleges or charities and offer to contribute to their work. You could also seek to assist wigs, hair and make-up artists you know locally or with whom you are connected on social media. It would allow you to learn how the workplace can change in different settings and understand how