Nicole is a graduate from our BA(Hons) Live Events Production. After graduating, she has worked on the West End production of the Life of Pi, before returning to Production Park to be an Associate Project Manager for TAIT.

What did you do before coming to Backstage? 

I am a self-proclaimed theatre person! It’s often at the heart of all I enjoy; my hobbies, my education and my work. It’s always been theatre for me. 

I originally did a BTEC in Musical Theatre. I don’t tap dance anymore, although I’d argue I never did, at least not well! 

I really struggled to find the next step from there that felt right for me. I enrolled and dropped out four different courses before finding Backstage Academy. They have been the only academic institute that not only managed to keep me engaged for more than a year, but actually kept me for the three whole years until I graduated.  

What have you been doing since graduating? 

I have been on a very big learning process of finding where I’m happiest, where I do my best work and what I want to give. It’s not until you finish studying when you’re really forced to assess what’s important to you in your career and your personal growth. Backstage is really good as they do cover this in your third year, but the freedom of it all once you’ve actually graduated can be a little overwhelming, even a bit daunting, but very exciting. 

A few career highlights since graduating include making my professional West End debut as a Deputy Assistant Stage Manager working on the Life of Pi, where I was invited to the Olivier Awards with the company and watched my colleagues and friends win five awards.

I knew if I was ever given the opportunity to remain on Production Park after graduating, I would never leave! The place and the people feel very much like home to me. And now I’m back here as an Associate Project Manager at TAIT! 

The work I’m doing at TAIT has challenged every part of my academic and professional learning in incredibly rewarding ways. It feels quite full circle, having been a Production Runner for press week for the likes of Cabaret in the West End, to now being the one organising automation training for crew handovers.

How did Backstage Academy help with your career development? 

Being based in the heart of industry meant Backstage introduced me to professionals and work opportunities alongside my teaching. The real stand out experiences I had at Backstage were those when I worked alongside professionals and industry on Production Park. It was an invaluable experience as a student to be part of an established organisation, putting theory into practice and learning on the job. It’s a huge benefit of their approach to vocational teaching.  

What was your favourite part of studying at Backstage Academy? 

Being part of the Stage Management team for Factory Reset at the Hat Factory Arts Centre in Luton with Tangled Feet, just before the start of my second year. It was especially exciting to get the opportunity to round off the summer break with a theatrical spectacular. 

This was one of those events that gave me the space to build friendships, feel supported and confident in my learning and development of new skills sets, and really reaffirmed my love for the arts. 

What advice would you give someone who wants to study at Backstage Academy? 

Don’t feel embarrassed about not knowing things. Ask all the questions. You don’t know what you don’t know! Take this opportunity to learn all that you can in an environment that is curated to nurture your progress. 

Talk to more people. Talk to everyone. Make those connections. 

From live music and festivals to cruise ships and exhibitions, the career opportunities that come from studying Live Events Production cover a huge range of sectors. Whether you are interested in lighting design, live sound, event business or live visuals, this degree will develop your interest so you’ll be a specialised yet well-rounded live events professional.