Technical support

Performing arts spaces in schools are often the heart of the organisation. This is where students play drama games, explore texts, devise work, rehearse for the annual musical, paint scenery and rig lights, and in doing so, discover the highs and lows of making theatre. For some, this will lead to lifelong careers; for many these can be some of the best memories of school days; and of course, teachers hope that everyone learns something lasting, whether about the texts, teamwork or their own potential and abilities.

These spaces vary hugely across schools; from simple drama studios and halls to state-of-the-art performing arts complexes, maybe open to professional companies and welcoming the public. As schools upgrade their facilities they may realise that theatre technologies and health and safety guidance can be quite complex, and teachers may have neither the time nor confidence to operate the equipment and to supervise the students who are keen to run up a ladder to rig lights or want to use specialist software to record sound effects. Schools often decide to employ a professional theatre technician (or technicians) who can support a range of activities safely and professionally.

However, the life of a school technician is quite different to that in the professional theatre: often a department of one, expected to be the fount of all knowledge of every department as well as helping with other aspects of school life. So, who does the school technician turn to for support? This is where the School Theatre Support Group (STSG) comes into play. As Paul Durose (STSG chairperson and theatre manager, the Leys School, Cambridge) says: ‘As one of the founding members of STSG, me and two other theatre managers from schools felt that there was a need for an organisation specifically engaging with those working in backstage and technical roles in school venues. Since 2005, the Group has grown and is now also part of the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT).’

A strong community

The group aims to support and resource school theatre technicians, and Durose continues: ‘we have over 100 members from a wide range of independent schools, state schools and other institutions around the country, with all manner of facilities from professional theatres to drama classrooms; allowing us to share ideas and problems specific to school theatres, as well as keeping in contact with those working in a similar situations.’

So, what does the STSG offer to its members? Most importantly, ongoing support and advice, as member Chris Tindall, theatre technical manager at the Forest School in London says: ‘STSG is really good: the best thing about it is being able to share experiences (good and bad) and some of the highs and the frustrations of working in a school venue. It is quite different to working in a traditional venue, so it is good to know that there are other people out there going through similar things with similar people.’ There are regular training events, often sponsored by industry companies and suppliers: coming up soon there is an ‘IOSH Working Safely for Theatre’ course, hosted by the Leys School, offering essential safety training to professional theatre standards.

Extra-curricular opportunities

In 2015 the STSG launched the Performance Support Award (PSA) which provides structured extra-curricular training for students to develop their skills and knowledge in areas such as lighting and costume. Straightforward modules and teaching materials are provided and the awards (at Bronze, Silver or Gold level) can be taught in technical theatre clubs or similar. These increase students’ enthusiasm and confidence in these areas and could open the door to pursuing these activities professionally after school; they would certainly show motivation and understanding if included in a UCAS personal statement for theatre related degrees.

A highlight of the year is the STSG conference, held annually at a member's school. After visiting the brand-new Peter Hall Arts Centre at the Perse School in Cambridge in 2019, the contrasting venue for 2020 is Ampleforth College in Yorkshire, home of possibly the oldest purpose-built school theatre in the UK (1910). There will be workshops, seminars and networking, with industry sponsors, workshop leaders and exhibitors including Stage Electrics, White Light, AC Entertainment Technologies, Flints, Hawthorn, Illuminate Design and Technical Stage Services. This is also a great opportunity for networking and meeting with fellow school technicians. STSG member Mel Kirwan, from the Perse School in Cambridge, says: ‘The annual conference includes some workshops and seminars and plenty of chance to network and meet new people – it includes a semi-formal dinner. There are some industry suppliers that exhibit too, so you always feel connected to the wider industry which can be hard to maintain working in the school environment’.