Why was Backstage Academy created?

Glen: The Academy was born out of a need for the next generation of well-trained live events professionals – young bands need young crew to tour with. It was clear that not enough young people were coming through the pipeline from schools and colleges into the entertainment industry. The facilities enable them to learn on the job and find out how the industry works. Generally speaking, young people don't know that backstage jobs exist so a cultural shift is necessary to get that information out.

I am actually on a personal crusade to get the word out to teachers and careers' advisors – come and look at our industry and see what the opportunities really are. For example, there are four members in Coldplay but 400 crew on the road with them. The industry is just getting bigger and bigger – just look at the rise of e-sports where audiences will pay to watch gamers live. Production values and audience expectations are rising all the time and people are always looking for a great live experience.

Jo: This really chimes with me! Drama school technical courses were originally started in the 1960s to provide a way in to stage management and technical roles as distinct jobs rather than being something that actors ‘fell back on’ or did when they weren't acting. Now we are offering specialist training for both theatre and the wider entertainment industry. Although many go on to work in the West End, as a contrast one of our recent graduates is stage managing a YouTubers live tour – a far cry from traditional theatre.

Young people don't know that backstage jobs exist so a cultural shift is necessary

We also know that careers advice to young people on these fields is often really lacking. Students discover these careers often by accident, through a drama teacher, youth theatre leader or friend and family connections. There are just so many opportunities. I really believe that people will always want to come together with others for a communal experience, whether a play or a band – and that is great news for employment in the creative industries.

What is the difference between traditional degrees and vocational programmes, as offered at both Backstage Academy & GSA?

Glen: I like to say that our degrees are a three-year job interview. Our staff are active and well connected in the industry, leading to work opportunities at an early stage in the training. Unlike a traditional university, we won't let you miss lectures.

In the industry reliability and punctuality is expected so you need to learn that discipline early. I sometimes compare our degrees to being in a snow globe – we shake you up and if you're still standing after three years, it means you're ready for life in the events industry! We also have a great programme of masterclasses with visiting experts and support from manufacturers and suppliers to ensure we have the latest kit for students to use.

Jo: Drama schools have a very similar ethos. Students learn self-discipline from the culture and professional context of the training, from the staff and through teamwork with their fellow students. As a school with a great reputation for both acting and musical theatre, we are very well connected with that industry and many students begin finding short term and freelance professional work at a very early stage of their degree.

Why should young people study for a degree rather than get straight into the industry after school?

Glen: Having a degree accelerates your career path. You can start from school on the ‘warehouse route’ – getting a junior job in a warehouse and working your way up – but with a degree and the contacts you'll gain from a vocational training, you can go straight in at a higher level.

Jo: The same is true for drama school. You can go to work in your local venue or hire company as a technician but it will take you a while to climb the ladder to more interesting jobs. In a lot of theatres and companies, the name of your drama school gets you a foot in the door – it's a guarantee to the employer of a certain level of training and achievement. Also the networks you gain during training will stand you in good stead for the rest of your career.

How are your degrees accredited?

Glen: Our programmes are currently accredited by the University of Bolton, although Backstage Academy is working towards gaining its own degree awarding powers. Either way, vocational training does lead to a recognised degree – a great advantage to any young person whichever way their career takes them.

Jo: We are part of the University of Surrey, so graduates have a degree from a top-ranking university.

What are your typical graduate destinations?

Glen: Just to give a couple of examples: a recent graduate is in Japan on tour with Paul Weller as a backline tech; another is on tour with The Specials and Kaiser Chiefs; and others have gone on to further study at masters level, either at Backstage Academy or elsewhere.

Jo: West End shows, touring and regional theatre, arts venues and lots of freelance lighting and sound work.

What are the long term employment prospects?

Glen: Excellent – we have graduates working all over the world in various aspects of the entertainment industry. One example recently toured with Ed Sheeran.

Jo: Coincidentally, we've had a graduate on tour with Ed Sheeran too, in the lighting team! He has also toured with Robbie Williams and worked at Glastonbury. Although our graduates predominantly go into theatre work, the skills they learn are definitely transferable into other areas of the entertainment industry such as music and events.

What advice would you give to young aspiring technicians and stage management?

Glen: Get as much experience as you can. If you've got a mate in a band, offer to help at their gigs. Volunteer at local venues and events as well as school performances. This will all pay off when you get your place on a degree programme.

Jo: Go and offer to help at your local theatre, get involved in amateur drama, youth theatre or school performances and events. Also, go and see as much live performance as you can, of all types, to understand what is current and exciting in the industry.

How can young people find out more about these courses?

Glen: From our website. Our next open day is on 22 August. We also run an annual bus tour to schools and colleges to spread the word about the many opportunities in live event work – contact us if you would like us to visit you!

Jo: You can find out more from our website. Open days are on 15 September and 13 October and can be booked at the University of Surrey's website.

Backstage Academy
backstage-academy.co.uk

GSA
gsauk.orgsurrey.ac.uk/opendays