Rising backstage stars learn about making theatre in-the-round with Kiln Sparks Backstage Training Week

30th June 2023

Six emerging theatre professionals joined us at the New Vic this week for Kiln Sparks, a residential training project that provided an opportunity to learn more about the processes involved in making a theatrical production in-the-round.

Moving between departments participants received an introduction to lighting and sound desks, delved into the disciplines of stage management and theatre design, worked alongside directors, and explored potential career pathways for the future. They examined how scenes from previous New Vic shows were staged and how the space can be adapted for different production requirements. The group also discovered the challenges and opportunities faced by creatives working specifically in-the-round.

The week of training was led by New Vic Associate Director Vicki Dela Amedume MBE, an established cultural leader, circus consultant and choreographer. It featured masterclasses from creative and technical staff of the New Vic, visits from from Artistic Director Kumiko Mendl, Creative Engagement Associate Yuyu Wang and Executive Producer Lian Wilkinson of New Earth Theatre and Artistic Director Chinonyerem Odimba of tiata fahodzi, as well as freelancers including director Nathalie Wong, sound designer Jamie Lu, and set designer LuLu Tam, who recently worked on the New Vic and Told by an Idiot co-production The Killing of Sister George.

Kiln Sparks was created with the aim of expanding the industry’s knowledge base about making theatre in-the-round and diversifying the pool of Global Majority backstage talent by providing the opportunity to work in a midscale, producing theatre.

Vicki Dela Amedume MBE summarised: “It’s been a joy to work with our partners New Earth and tiati fahodzi to open the doors to the New Vic to this group of freelancers. As well as skills-based training, our aim for this week has been to demystify producing houses to people who might see those spaces as inaccessible or unwelcoming.  The week has been as impactful to us, as we hope it has been to the participants and we are excited to look forward and explore how we might continue the work begun in this week.”

We can’t wait to see what these talented participants end up doing next!