Trainee tech

[Techie333]

I work at a local theatre as a tech assistant, assisting with follwspots, but now I would like to do this as a full time job, but all theatres require applicants to be knowledgeable in all aspects of the theatre! I am just wondering if any of you lot on here, now if any theatre in the leeds area offer, trainee techs in, even if it was unpaid as I just want the training for future jobs

 

Hope someone can help!

[bigminiman]

I have just been accepted into theatre school, without A- Levels based on the shows I have worked on and my experience. Although working in a theatre as a casual technician would be great, as you said, most theatre's aren't interested as you are too much of a liability. HOWEVER, if you were to find a theatre group, amdram, that uses and performs in a professional theatre you would gain the knowledge and experience of working in a professional theatre but you would be under the wing, so to speak, of the company. Not only that, you will be working with veterans who will most likely have been doing it a very long time.

[paulears]

Amdram is the key. Join one, be keen and have fun - then you get into proper venues and gain experience quickly, and most importantly, learn how the theatre staff do things - which will often be very different from common sense. Simple stuff like terminology, and even the right kind of knot to use that won't get you yelled at!

 

I think the biggest shock to many graduates when they actually start working is how different school/college/uni processes can actually be. Very often not the mega technical stuff, but really simple stuff. How to sweep the stage is a good example - there's actually a few different ways to do it, and how to fold/roll/bundle cloths and gauzes. Even coiling cables and taping them down can be very specific techniques - and are often different from place to place.

 

Amateurs now spend lots of money on clever kit, so useful people are always welcome.

[cedd]

I'm local and can suggest some good societies to get involved with. Which side of Leeds are you and which School (private message me if you'd rather not make it public)? Paul's right, there are some big amateur societies playing with a lot of kit. Some societies will be doing the local village hall, others will be in professional recieving houses.

 

2 people who've worked for me in the past are now either in professional theatre, or are well on their way through good theatre schools. Both got there based upon their portfolio of work which included lots of amateur stuff. Just doing the school show won't cut it I'm afraid. Start collecting evidence now - scripts (with notes), photos (with you in them!), programmes with your name in. Be ready to make lots of cups of tea and don't overinflate your abilities! See lots of varied productions. We have some excellent producing theatres in Leeds. See some of the West Yorkshire Playhouse's stuff, go and see some of Red Ladder's stuff. The West Yorkshire Playhouse youth theatre has a great technical side to it - last week they were learning to make fake eyeballs out of kitchen ingredients, the week before they were learning how to mark out a stage and about scale models. They're also a really friendly bunch of people - both the youth theatre and the WYP's technical staff you'll be working with.

 

Our local recieving houses take work experience students - one of the pair I mention above spent a week with Bradford Theatres in the Alhambra and St George's Hall - see what you or your school can tee up, it'll give you a good insight.

 

Remember though, going in to technical theatre professionally isn't easy! Pay is low, hours are terrible, it's very un-glamorous (despite what you think when sitting down to watch a show and glancing over at the desk thinking "wow, that looks fun"). Amateur Theatre needn't mean poor quality theatre. I can think of a couple of amateur societies (one's in my signature!) turning out professional quality shows over and over again. The difference is that those involved in it can do it because it's fun. We can decide we don't fancy being involved with the next show, we can take on a fun project that can't afford to pay - all without worrying about who'll pay the mortgage. It's very possible to have a day job that pays the bills and still spend plenty of time playing in dark theatres for fun! Don't forget that theatre can be a hobby as well as a job (and lifestyle!).