Meet Alex, our Theatre Technician who took part in our work experience programme and completed an apprenticeship with us and is now a permanent member of staff here at Northern Stage.
There’s something so special about theatre. I think people forget how special theatre can be. When you see it happen in front of your face it’s an entirely different experience.
At age 18, Alex took part in Northern Stage’s Work Experience programme to gain insight into the world of technical theatre and backstage roles. After enjoying the one-week intensive programme, he was motivated to apply for the ‘Creative Venue Technician’ apprenticeship with us. With the support of The Mackintosh Foundation who funded the apprenticeship, Alex joined us as a Regional Theatre Technician Apprentice in 2023. Working closely with our Tech team over the course of 18 months, Alex learned the practical skills and theoretical knowledge of lighting, sound, video, stage, flying a theatrical rigging system and many other technical elements.
To complete his apprenticeship, Alex had to undertake several exams. We are so thrilled to share that he passed these with flying colours, being awarded a double distinction! We are even more thrilled to share that Alex is now a permanent member of staff at Northern Stage. He brings his skills and passion for theatre to the team, and he is also an Assistant Facilitator for our Tech Club, inspiring the next generation of theatre makers.
We caught up with Alex to chat about what drew him to the world of technical theatre and his experiences at Northern Stage…
Thinking back, what was it that got your attention about Northern Stage’s work experience?
“It was luck to be honest. I had zero plans about what I wanted to do or what I was interested in and it just so happened to come up on my screen. I think I was drawn here because I knew the name, I’d been here before with my school, which I think might have been a part of the Pay It Forward scheme, and that kind of stuck with me from when I was a kid.”
How did the work experience at Northern Stage inspire you to explore careers in tech in the arts?
“I think because I had fun. When you put people in front of a lighting desk, in front of a sound desk or when you let them play on the counterweight system – these are just new things that you get to see and you will never get to experience anything like that in school or an after-school club. It was something completely new. I just remember doing the work experience and being like…this is not what I envisioned at all or what I thought theatre was going to be like but I really like the look of it!”
Do you feel like your time doing the work experience helped you to apply for the apprenticeship application process and to get that opportunity?
“It definitely helped that I had been here and that when I came to do an open day [for the apprenticeship] they asked why I wanted to be here and because I’d been to the work experience, I just said how I really enjoyed it, I thought it was really interesting, I liked the team and how they weren’t teachers but people in the job. When I was going around on my first day as an apprentice, I was like, ‘I’ve flown before…a year ago, but I’ve done it before!”
Has there been something transformational for you as part of your experience as an apprentice?
“My self confidence. That was a big thing. When I first started I was so silent”
Do you feel the apprenticeship helped you feel more connected to the sector?
“It’s really useful for technicians to work in multiple venues. I have a contract with Tyne Opera House and The Theatre Royal and I never would have got those opportunities without doing the apprenticeship. I can connect with other people in the industry, improve my skills, and just get to know people because it is a really small industry. I now know people across the country who I can call that are with other theatres and I can ask for help or meet up with them.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
“I would love to stay in the North East – I really love the team here, they have been so helpful for me. I want to specialise in sound more – so Sound Technician is where I’m going to try and go.”
A Rising Star
We’re so proud of everything Alex has achieved in his time with us and we just know he’s got an amazing future in the industry ahead. Since completing his apprenticeship for the Creative Venue Technician Award, he’s been nominated for the North East Chamber of Commerce Rising Star award which recognises individuals doing amazing work with an exciting future ahead.
How can you get involved with Northern Stage?
If you are a young person, teacher or parent/guardian who’d like to know more, please email workexperience@northernstage.co.uk.
Tech Club – our fun introduction to the world of technical theatre for 13 to 17 year olds.
Young Directors – our 10 week introduction to directing live performance for young people aged 13-17.
Young Directors: Next Stage – designed for 14-19 year olds with basic knowledge of directing for live performance who would like to continue their learning.
Culture Club – the place for 13 – 17 year olds to meet new friends, watch theatre, and make content.
If you have any questions about our young people’s programmes, you can email us at takepart@northernstage.co.uk.
Support us
Northern Stage is a charity and opportunities to take part and engage with our theatre are kindly supported by our audiences, Members, Supporters, Business Club partners and funders. Learn more about how you can support us, or donate to our Pay It Forward appeal which helps us share the magic of theatre with those who may otherwise be unable to afford it.