ABOUT RACHEL

Degree: BA (Hons) Stage & Production Management

Desired Location: London would be ideal, however I am willing to travel.

Strengths: Organisation and planning, communication and problem solving, and my positive attitude and team work ethic. 

Dream role: A management role on a music world tour or at festivals.

Dream Project: Starting a new UK festival and being part of the management team that designs, plans and creates the event.

In 5 years time... I'd like to be in a position where I have tried as many different roles within the industry as I could, and to be able to transfer all the skills I have learnt across the different sectors into a role I am set with. I want to always be able to learn and develop and I think trying different roles is a great way to do this. 

Throughout her 3 years at Backstage, Rachel has demonstrated an energy and enthusiasm for all live events and takes every opportunity to learn more. She has excelled in leading roles, especially as stage manager of the 2019 Graduation Ceremony, where her communication and management skills shone through to lead the team. Her organisation and project management skills have enabled her to focus on goals and deadlines and she constantly drives for excellence. Rachel will make an excellent stage or production manager.

Claire Porter, Course Leader for Stage & Production Management

If you would like to contact Rachel about an opportunity, please email us and we will connect you with her.

Question Time...

What first attracted you to a career within the live events industry?

Growing up, I've always been exposed to the live events industry through attending various theatre productions, festivals and live shows. This was only ever a hobby of mine until I was in college completing my A-levels in creative subjects. I decided I wanted to change my path. When attending live shows I have always been so amazed with the overall production and how it works, and that's when I knew I had a passion for the industry and wanted to pursue a career in it. 

What first attracted you to Backstage Academy?

When deciding what university I wanted to attend, what attracted me to Backstage Academy was how different it was to anywhere I had seen before. The mix of both theatre and live music was exciting to me as I want to be able to try everything and this seemed like the perfect place! In extension, the balance between the practical and theory based assessments drew me in immediately, there is just such a good variation. 

What first attracted you to the course you studied?

The Stage and Production Management course attracted me initially because of how much it covers over the three years and how many different sectors of the industry are explored. Having two main lecturers still very active within the live events industry who specialise in theatre and festivals/touring has been extremely beneficial. 

What were the highlights during your time at Backstage Academy?

I have many highlights from my time at Backstage Academy, one of them being putting on an event in second year for an assessment - mine and my groups hard work paid off significantly by raising a large amount of money for charity. The sense of achievement was overwhelming and really allowed me to develop my confidence when putting on an event. Another highlight would be all of the incredible work experience I have been able to gain whilst studying here. Finally, a major highlight is the amount of talented people I have met. I have made so many friends who I know I will work with in my future of live events. 

What work experience have you had during your time at Backstage Academy?

I am lucky enough to have had many work experience opportunities whilst being at Backstage Academy. In my first year I worked at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel as an intern, this involved setting up and taking down sets for each show, artist liaison for larger shows and some assistant stage managing. I undertook the role of Production Manager on a small stage for a local carnival in Ilkley which involved advancing equipment information, liaising with the organisers and coordinating a team. In summer 2019 I was Assistant Technical Coordinator for the Park Stage at Glastonbury Festival, in the same summer I undertook the role of Stage Manager on The Lake Stage at Latitude Festival. These experiences have allowed me to become much more confident across a number of roles. The contacts I have made whilst working have been extremely helpful, I have worked on a number of festivals and shows in the role of Artist Liaison and continue to do so. 

Which companies have you worked with/for during your time at Backstage Academy?

I have had the pleasure to work with a number of great companies, these being; Ibiza Rocks Group, Glastonbury Festivals Limited, VIP Nation, The Needs Group Ltd, EnTEEtainment Ltd and Festival Republic. 

What is your proudest achievement from your time at Backstage Academy?

One of my proudest achievements would be undertaking the role of Stage Manager for Backstage Academy’s 2019 Graduation Ceremony in Wakefield Cathedral. This allowed me to establish the difficulties when holding events at this type of venue. My role included scheduling and management of all staff and students, coordinating load in and load out, leading a Q2Q tech rehearsal with the core team, organising the layout and storage for the event and ensuring safe working practices were being adhered to. The event ran seamlessly, and gave the whole production team a great sense of pride.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

The best career advice I have been given is to always be open and willing to learn from other people in the industry and to try everything. 

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt?

From being at university and working in the industry I have learnt the importance of “you reap what you sow”.