Creative Venue Technician Bootcamp students have displayed their skills in an end of year performance in Stratford-upon-Avon College’s Willows theatre.
After completing their free 12-week training programme, the technicians were able to show off their skills by producing, teching, and running a shortened version of Duncan MacMillian’s play ‘Lungs’.
The bootcamp covers various aspects of theatre production. The technicians got the opportunity to develop skills in all of areas and apply them into practice for their final performance.
Throughout their programme, students have had the opportunity to work with industry professionals in leading venues and theatres around the West-Midlands including, Arena Theatre Wolverhampton, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Rep, Digital Garage, Midlands Art Centre, New Hampton Arts Centre, The Grand, The Halls Wolverhampton, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Warwick Arts Centre, The NEC, and The Cresent Theatre.
Before the performance, students were invited to a luncheon in the College’s new TV Studio. This was a fantastic opportunity to chat to the tutors and technicians that helped them throughout their training, and to celebrate the end of their 12 weeks of hard work.
The performance was completely run by the bootcampers, overseeing Stage Management, Lighting, Sound, Set, Costume and Props.
Bootcamp Manager, Sophie Jolly, commented: “It is incredible to see what they have achieved. The bootcamp has provided them with skills throughout, and this experience has allowed them to apply those skills in the final production. It is amazing to see what they have accomplished in such a short amount of time, and to be able to invite and celebrate with our industry partners, who have contributed to and supported the bootcamp, is truly special.”
Technical Manager at Warwick Arts Centre, Tim Clare, who ran sessions in lighting for the bootcamp students, commented: “Within the creative industries there is a skill gap across the whole of the UK. These bootcamps help people develop these skills and allow them to stand out to employers. The skills they learn bleed across loads of different venues.”
He continued: “I like to be a part of these bootcamps as it helps to give aspiring technicians the skills needed to be a part of the industry. It was great to see the skills that the bootcampers had picked up through their twelve-week course put into action”
The College run a variety of courses for adult learners and these free creative bootcamps are great for people who are looking to expand their current skill set, freelancers who wish to expand their network, and people who want to have a career change. The bootcamps are focused on developing skills and making them prepared for the workforce by allowing them to work in professional environments and with industry experts.
Well done to everyone involved in putting together a wonderful piece of theatre!
