PRODUCTION FUTURES
BACKSTAGE ON TOUR Backstage Academy and industry partners join forces to bring live event production careers to life for prospective students across the UK.
Words: Jacob Waite Photos: Backstage Academy
Backstage Academy’s latest tour, which stretched across the UK from the North West to Truro in Cornwall, saw final year students from various degree courses showcase their skills, higher education experiences and encourage prospective students. The tour, which was supported by Blitz Rigging, 4Wall Entertainment, Avolites, Sennheiser, Shure, KV2 Audio, Midas, ROE Visual, Green Hippo and STS centred on the technical production of a live band, Listomania, and focused on the core disciplines of live entertainment. Due to access and time constraints, the tour team designed a ground support structure utilising 30cm trusses provided by Blitz Rigging. This could be easily and manually loaded-in and quickly erected without the use of hoists or forklifts. The structure supported all lighting equipment. Rebecca Barwell, a Stage and Production Management graduate, led the charge as Tour Manager. “Planning and embarking on this tour has been a great way for us to show any prospective students just one example of what you can do, and the show aspect of the tour allowed them to visually see what we created.” KV2 Audio provided the main sound system. EX12 mid-highs and the EX1.8 bass enclosures meant that the onboard amplification saved vital van space and weight, yet delivered a no compromise crystal clear sound with pin-point accuracy. Blitz Rigging truss came in the shape of 1/2m sections. In addition, a wide variety of microphones were provided by Sennheiser and Shure, crucial for capturing every aspect of the four piece band’s performance. Sennheiser EW G4 in-ear monitors enabled the band to receive detailed monitor sound, without the need to transport large monitor loudspeakers, also saving time
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