Skip to main content
NSDF Logo NSDF
Donate
What's On
NSDF 21
NSDF 21
Online. Free. Open to All. 16 New pieces of work. Debates, discussions and evening events.
Find out what happened at NSDF 21
Shows Technical Theatre Workshops Workshops and Masterclasses Other Festival Events
Register
What We Do
What We Do
What is NSDF all about?
NSDF HUB Our Yearly Festival NSDF CREATES The Bigger Room Project
Support Us
Support Us
How can you support NSDF's work?
Alumni Supporters Scheme Our Supporters Make a Donation Leave a Legacy
Our Story
Our Story
Find out more about the 65 year old Festival.
Our Mission Our History Our Principles Our People Our Alumni
The Fourth Wall
The Fourth Wall
Read articles from Noises Off, our Festival Magazine, and catch the latest from Team NSDF at Blogs & News
Blogs & News Noises Off
Noises Off Article

Technical Talk

Published on
13th April 2020

Marina Johnson finds out about life as a theatre technician.

Share this article

Employees from SLX, a hire and events company who provide lighting, rigging and audio visual to theatres and touring productions across the UK – Katy Lowe (KL), Ruari Cormack (RC), Russell Payne (RP) – sat down (virtually) with Marina to answer questions for those of us at the start of our careers, and tell us what it is like working in the technical side of the industry.

How did you get to where you are today?

RP: In primary school plays I was much more interested in the scaffolding tower that had some lights on it. I started with an apprenticeship at a regional repertory theatre where I worked my way up to chief electrician. I was an NSDF TA for 4 years, I am a lighting designer, project manager and head of live events at SLX.

KL: It was similar for me, at school the stage crew was more exciting. I worked in the Stage Electrics warehouse and as a Sound Technician. I also earned some extra qualifications in electrics, and spent time fitting up brand new theatre's electrics. I worked on the sales team here at SLX and I am now the customer service manager.

RC: I had a friend at church, who invited me by saying the Front of House girls were good-looking. About 34 years on I am still here. I went to college, and during my Easter break I knocked on the door of the Marquee Club and worked for them. I got stuck in and got involved. The more you do, the more people think you know what you are doing. Then after many years of being a loyal customer I jumped ship to SLX and the hiring side.

What do you feel about university courses that offer courses in tech?

RC: They provide a good starting place with built-in contacts for you to be working with.

KL: I found I was too young to decide what I wanted to do. 

Do you feel it is important to specialise in a particular area of tech or to have a wide understanding?

RP: Yes, particularly for later career development. The technology is so advanced now – with techniques like pixel mapping being common. Lighting designers are not working with dimmers, but instead building a network and using IP addresses.

What is the difference between working as a freelancer or with a company?

RP: It really depends on the person. SLX offers a career path through the company. One of our directors started by sweeping the floor in the warehouses, not speaking English. When I work with freelancers, it's because I need a specialist. That freelancer can earn money by hopping from show to show. Often freelancers like it because it provides travel – particularly with touring work.

I personally wanted to commit to a business, and work my way up. Freelancing is not easy; if they are not working they are not earning.

What is the difference between working on TV and theatre?

RP: It is a completely different skill. In the theatre you are lighting for the human eye, and it is easily drawn to the brightest point in the room.

In TV, cameras are everywhere.  You need light from every angle to ensure the camera can pick out the person from their background. Some sets appear one colour to the human eye, but look different on camera. 

The operating of the lighting for live TV is different too. One operator balances the light on faces, because when you cut from camera to camera they still need to be lit the same. The second operator is controlling the moving lights. TV is also massively behind live events in terms of technology. They don’t really use dimmers.

Ruri, tell me about your time as Technical Director of Assembly Festival?

RC: It’s like being the dad of a huge family. In June we arrive in Edinburgh and we have gone from a tech team of just me, to 6-7 heads of department and under them 60-70 technicians. And this is all before the performers and audience arrive!

I have a story I share: I had a HoD that I had a problem with. We ended up working on the same team again. In that new year – we had two technicians who we lost due to a messy situation. The person who supported me through the crisis, and had my back though all of it, was the HoD I had never wanted to work with again. I think it shows how things can change and people learn.

What advice do you have for someone considering going to Fringe in the future?

RC: Do it! Be ready to communicate clearly. Remember if you can do it in a small venue, you can do it at Glastonbury. 

KL: Get to know your suppliers – Fringe is the perfect time to network. 

RP: Whilst you are on your feet sorting things out; we can be finding alternative options out of the space, and providing a supportive outside eye to a problem. 

@noffmag / noff@nsdf.org.uk 

Latest from Noises Off

Latest from Noises Off

See all
NSDF 2021

Lights out

3rd April 2021

Aisling Lally says goodbye to this year's NSDF

Read More
NSDF 2021

High-definition loss

3rd April 2021

Emma Robinson levels with Definitely Fine's You Will See Everything

Read More
NSDF 2021

Mother/daughter

3rd April 2021

Anna Mahtani and her mum watch You Will See Everything

Read More

Sign-up to our newsletter

Sign-up for our newsletter
Follow us
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube
Contact Us Taking Part in the Festival Coming to the Festival Frequently Asked Questions Young Person Protection Policy Website Accessibility Privacy Policy
© NSDF Made by Grandad
Sign-up to our newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date on all our upcoming events, information and news. Read our Privacy Policy to learn more about how we process your data.