The TV and film industry in Wales has been growing exponentially over the last decade, meaning that scenic construction work is thriving and there is a growing need for trained technicians with a passion for the stage and screen industries.
‘Previously there hasn't been a course specialising in this area, people often just stumbled into it, like I did,’ says Mike Robinson, course leader for the Foundation Degree in Scenic Construction at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama [RWCMD].
‘This huge increase in TV and Film production, attracting the available skilled craftspeople to leave the more traditional workshops, has created a real shortage in the industry. This course hopes to address some of these shortages across the creative sector.’
Specialist training
RWCMD offers the only course in the country focusing specifically on scenic construction. Students are taught over two years, based at the college's new fully-fitted workshops.
‘This is our first year of doing the course, and we welcome students with a range of experience. We're here to teach them the skills, they just need the passion for the work. One of our students had studied Site Carpentry but didn't see herself on site, several others came straight from A Levels, but didn't want to work in an office or spend all day in lectures – this was just what they were looking for. Another worked in construction, doing everything from fitting kitchens to tiling. He'd never thought about going to university before he came across the course.
As practitioners your career is all about learning, you never know it all, and that reflects the nature of the industry. Nothing is ever the same twice and we're looking for students who are inventive, creative and open to trying new things. The job is all about problem-solving, working independently and making decisions at all levels.’
Core skills
The first things students learn are the core craft skills of carpentry, metalwork and welding required for the construction of theatrical sets.
‘The students start with the skills module which leads to an exhibition in RWCMD's Linbury Gallery, so the work they're doing is relevant, important, and part of the College right from the start,’ says Robinson.
‘They start making things in their first week. Some of the students haven't used a machine before, but we challenge them, while supporting them all the way.
‘One of their first projects was to design and build wood-burning stoves out of ply and wood. Working with scenic artists they learn how to create the finished product, looking at the language of rust on metal to produce a realistic impression of old cast iron.
‘Towards the end of their training they'll be working directly with the designer to produce the required construction drawings before leading the construction and the final fit-up of the set.’
Building on strong foundations
As they get further into the course the students take on more responsibility. In their first year they work on production practice, building sets for RWCMD's Richard Burton Company and its three theatre spaces, or for the opera or Musical Theatre productions.
‘They're treated as professionals, working with the other departments across the college, and gradually build more knowledge and experience into their skill set. They take on increasingly high levels of responsibility for the creation and installation of stage sets, so that by the time they finish the course they'll be industry-ready.’
The main part of the course focuses on placements, and the students work both with RWCMD and on work placements with its professional partners in the theatre, TV and film industries.
‘We work with some of the largest and most prestigious scenic construction companies in the UK,’ explains Robinson. ‘Our current partners include Wild Creations, run by graduate Matt Wild; 4Wood, the construction arm of Bad Wolf who build sets for Doctor Who among many others; Cardiff Theatrical Services who build all of the Welsh National Opera shows; and for other companies as far afield as the USA and Australia, and Bay Productions, who work with major arts companies including the National Theatre and Disney and make sets for West End shows. Incredibly, they're all based within a square mile of Cardiff, which says something about Cardiff's place in this industry.’
Students are encouraged to choose some of the placements themselves. Their second year final placement is in a professional capacity, giving them the opportunity for longer term employment prospects. ‘Employability is another really important element in this course,’ says Robinson. ‘We build in classes about professional development, financial awareness and project management so that when the students leave us, they're properly equipped for whatever role they take on.’
Students can ‘top-up’ their qualification with an additional year of study specialising in scenic construction, gaining a BA (Hons) in Design for Performance.