Open Session - Tech and Backstage Roles

Hey! My name’s Cerys, I’m 19, I come from Mid Wales and am currently in my second year of studying Stage Management and Technical Theatre at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama which I am thoroughly enjoying. However, this was not the path I had seen myself taking. I was originally heading down a medical path, however felt I would much prefer a more creative profession but was lost to what exactly. I came to MPYT originally to join the acting side; however, it opened my eyes to the more technical side of the theatre and gave me the opportunity to help kick start my passion and future career as a Stage Manager. I believe there is a real lack of recognition and appreciation for the production side of the theatre, film, and the TV industry. Youth Theatres like MPYT play a crucial role in enlightening and educating people from a young age and act as a gateway into the industry.

I’m Felicity, I’m 20 years old and I’m from Llandrindod Wells, Mid Wales. Currently I’m in my second year of studying Stage Management and Technical Theatre at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. I joined MPYT when I was 13, not really knowing anything about theatre; I didn’t know that Stage Management existed, let alone that you could have a career in it! I had a go at acting and decided that it wasn’t really my thing. I then asked to help out with prop making and this is where I fell in love in with being backstage. MPYT introduced me to many areas of Stage Management and Technical Theatre. It gave me an all-round understanding of the disciplines of lighting, sound, AV and working as an ASM and DSM in a fun environment. This helped me gather paperwork, images and items that I could put into a mini portfolio when applying to drama schools. I am very much enjoying studying Stage Management and Technical theatre and hope to have a career in either Stage Management or scenic construction. I’m very grateful for all MPYT has done for me.

Hi, My name is Rory, I’m 20 years old and in my third year on the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts production and technical course. I have also been working freelance at Footprint Scenery which has been a huge pleasure and I’ve been able to work on some pretty awesome projects. I’m now living in London and making a career I’m proud of, and I’m able to do work that I find exciting and fulfilling. Mid Powys Youth Theatre marks the start of that journey for me, from joining as an actor and meeting others I could relate to, to getting interested in tech and receiving mentoring from professionals. As we did productions I learnt more and was introduced to Beth Treen a professional DSM and ex MPYTer, she pointed me towards going to a Drama School and let me shadow her in the Wycombe Swan theatre. I was inspired and applied to several Uni’s like RADA and Bristol Old Vic and got offers from almost all of them thanks to the references and support from those within MPYT. So yeah, a massive thank you to those who have and continue to support them and I’m excited to someday meet a new Techie in the industry who passed through MPYT on their journey.