Next Generation of Roadies

[MarkPAman]

BBC Radio 4s Front Row had an item on the need to train more technical crew.

 

Listen Again Link (for one week)

 

Starts at about 18mins 30secs

 

I only heard bits of it myself, so I'm going to listen now.

[Nickwoolley]

I really dont quite get that! They are saying there is no training around for people who want to do techincal theatre....did they just forget about Guildhall (where I am) Central etc etc....? Or am I missing something?

[JMC]

gnnnnnnnnn *bites tounge*

[blackbird]

"No major national qualifications" my arse!

 

 

This is all getting rather confusing, just take The Stage recently:

 

Article 1

 

Article 2

 

Article 3

 

Article 4

 

Are there really that many "gaps in arts training"? But even if there are, they are gaps and not a complete absence!

 

[Edited to add to initial spur of the moment reaction, not that I don't stand by it!]

[JMC]

Gaps could also refer to the quality of the training... not the quantity

[Dj Dunc]

The only gap I think is secondary school level, unless you are interested in it before, or from something else

[Grum]

Sounds more like a scam to get money out of the government. Sure there are gaps in the training available especially in certain areas of the country (like Norfolk) but then that's true of any subject.

 

Eventually there'll be a big pot of cash set aside to set up training centres / courses. Then a civil servant will seek advice from the only group of experts in the field he/she knows )the same people that were asking for the cash in the first place).

 

"er hello, we've got lots of money to spend but don't know what to spend it on could you tell us how to spend it"

 

"yes of course I can, for a small fee of £200,000 I'll get in touch with a load of mates er I mean highly experienced individuals in each field and we'll set up a completely new training system. We promise that we won't just copy what everyone else is already doing"

 

Anyone remember that big dome thing that opened in 2000??????

 

 

(God help me, I'm starting to sound like my Dad!!!!!!!)

[Neil Frazer]

No offence but you can have all the "Education" under the sun, however, unless you actually have some experience in technical theatre/ a related field it is going to be hard to find a job on a major tour. Education is fine but experience is much much better!

[gareth]

Education is fine but experience is much much better!

Amen to that, brother!

[charlyfarly]

Education is fine but experience is much much better!

Amen to that, brother!

 

Quite!

Many years ago when Thames Television was still in full swing at Teddington, I applied for Technical Training hoping to eventually become a TV soundie. The Head of Sound reckoned I had a very good chance as I was already working and had experience in both studio and live work ( he said this to my mother who was a freelance SM there for donkeys).

I did all the audio tests had my colour vision checked etc. and passed with flying colours. The final selection was put forward to a panel who had nothing to do with audio (as is the norm) and they gave the place to a chap who had a Degree in History. I had no Degree but a brace of good grade O Levels :(

Needless to say, the History chap jumped ship six weeks in to the training course saying it was not what he "expected"....the HoS was furious and asked if I could be given the place but the Powers That Be had already decided that the door would be closed for all future training....Thames shrunk to almost nothing shortly after :P

[JimWebber]

I did all the audio tests had my colour vision checked etc. and passed with flying colours. The final selection was put forward to a panel who had nothing to do with audio (as is the norm) and they gave the place to a chap who had a Degree in History. I had no Degree but a brace of good grade O Levels

 

 

 

Hmmm (Apologies to Ynot) Why am I not surprised???

 

Jim