ABOUT DAN
Degree: BA (Hons) Stage & Production Management
Desired Location: I’m staying close to Uni, moving to Wakefield, as the connection to the rest of the country is great. With connections to Manchester also I am very flexible in where work could take me, in and out of the UK.
Strengths: I understand the importance of being a true team player. I'm good with time and deadline management. I don’t say NO, I will always try something first. Everything I am involved with, I will bring a positive attitude to.
Dream role: Stage Manager on a popular touring musical such as Les Mis or the Lion King.
Dream Project: I would love to work on something new that we have never seen before, something that excites me and the people it is designed for. I don’t know what this might be but a project like this would defiantly aspire me to bring passion to the team.
In 5 years time... I hope to have gained lots of experience working as an Assistant Stage Manager and be working my way towards my dream of being a full time stage manager.
Throughout his 3 years at Backstage, Dan has shown his passion and dedication for live events,
especially theatre.
He has excelled in leading roles when managing events and his planning, preparation and
eye for detail create a positive and collaborative working environment.
His organisation and project management skills have shone through, especially when stage
managing the 2018 Graduation Ceremony in Studio 001.
Dan will make an excellent stage or production manager.
Claire Porter, Course Leader for Stage & Production Management
If you would like to contact Dan about an opportunity, please email us and we will connect you with him.
Question Time...
What first attracted you to a career within the live events industry?
I have always loved theatre; it has been a part of my life for years as I started amateur dramatics at the age of 10. From then I knew that this was what I wanted to be a part of one way or another. I soon realised that stage management would be where my career would lead.
What first attracted you to Backstage Academy?
While I knew I wanted to work in theatre I wanted to explore what the wider events industry has to offer, BSA brought all this together, the wide spread of teaching backgrounds and varied module topics seemed liked the best way to try everything within the events industry.
What first attracted you to the course you studied?
I have a keen eye for perfection and enjoy the delivery of events, Stage Management links well with what I enjoy most so for me it just makes sense.
What were the highlights during your time at Backstage Academy?
Meeting so many new and individual people, lecturers, staff and students. I have made some lifelong friends and hopefully future colleagues. But also having to opportunity to be a part of significant events that BSA design to enrich the lives of its students, including Freshers Weeks and Graduation.
What work experience have you had during your time at Backstage Academy?
- Long Division Festival
- Just One (Rock Tech)
- Land of the Green Ginger Hull
- Independent Venue Week
- Graduation 2018
- Freshers Week 2019
- Edinburgh Fringe
- Leeds Arena Crew calls
- Backstage Academy Crew calls
- Leeds College of Music – Cinderella
Which companies have you worked with/for during your time at Backstage Academy?
- Rock Tech
- Leeds Collage of Music
- The Pleasance
- Night People
- Prod North
What is your proudest achievement from your time at Backstage Academy?
Balancing the workload while taking as much opportunity to carrying out work experience and also ensuring that I have a good student experience at the same time.
What is the best career advice you have ever received?
Understand priorities. Everyone has different priorities, and those influence what people want and what they will do. With that in mind create my own list of priorities and morals that’ll bring focus to my career.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt?
Integrity is very important, in anything and everything take responsibility over the jobs and tasked that I complete.
