A former Graphic Design student from Stratford-upon-Avon College is enjoying an apprenticeship with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) following the completion of her college course.
Liv Creed, 18 from Gaydon, is now a Stage & Props Apprentice at the world-famous theatre.
Liv began her creative journey by studying Graphic Design at GCSE. She decided to pursue this career and looked into studying at college: “I knew I was passionate about Graphic Design and couldn’t think of another three subjects to study (which is required at A-Level) so college allowed me to focus all my time on the one subject.”
Liv really enjoyed her time at college: “I got a lot of support from tutors, Helen (Wright, Graphic Design lecturer) kept me going and I ended up with a distinction. I really enjoyed how diverse the course was and how you could tailor the course to suit your interest. I always have had a passion for theatre but knew I didn’t want to pursue acting as a career, but liked the idea of finding work in that kind of environment. I focused a lot on using what I had learnt and applying it to set design.”
Liv also utilised her summer breaks and took part in a range of work experience/training opportunities at a variety of theatres in a range of areas related to the stage: dress making, technical theatre, set design for TV and film to name a few.
By the time she was into her second year, Liv realised she was ready to go into the world of work. She saw a job opening for a Stage & Props technician.
Soon after, despite not getting that job, an apprenticeship in Stage & Props came up. Liv jumped at the chance and was ecstatic to be successful this time: “I was one of 108 applicants with 17 people interviewed for the role. I think the fact that I had interviewed for roles in a similar environment showed that I was passionate about pursuing this type of work.”
She is thoroughly enjoying her apprenticeship: “I love how every day is completely different, one day I’m building set the next day working on a show opening traps for people to ‘fall’ into. I work on a whole range of areas. I’ve learnt about sustainability, health and safety, stage craft, time management, problem solving, communication and budget management plus I learn from many departments including about lighting, sound, video, automation, stage and props. I also have had chance to travel to other venues in the country including London for shows such as Cowbois and My Neighbour Totoro.”
She would definitely recommend a similar learning journey to others: “I would recommend college to anyone. I loved it and gained so much from it, and I feel like it set me up and allowed me to develop transferrable skills. And as for the apprenticeship, I would also definitely recommend. I am loving mine so far and am excited to keep going!”
She also is proud to be learning at the RSC: “After this apprenticeship I am looking at going straight into work. The RSC’s reputation is big and saying you trained there is industry recognised so this is an amazing opportunity.”
Helen Wright, Graphic Design lecturer at the college, is so pleased to see Liv’s progress, especially in an area she was so passionate about: “Liv had a strong interest in all aspects of theatre but her passion has always been with prop making and behind the scenes. As a college we are so fortunate to be located close to the RSC, so it is fantastic that Liv has the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship so close to where we are. I was not surprised to hear that Liv was accepted on to this apprenticeship as she is hard working, dedicated to developing her knowledge and has shown keenness to take her skills to the next level of her career.”
