Technical Academy
Will your next job be backstage?
The Technical Academy is your chance to experience working behind the scenes in theatre and live events.
The Technical Academy unlocks hidden career opportunities in technical roles in live events and theatre. We want to encourage new people – especially those from under-represented communities – to gain valuable experience and join us working in technical production.
Run by the Southbank Centre, the Technical Academy is delivered in partnership with The Albany, Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT), ATG Entertainment, Factory International, Livewire Productions, National Theatre, Roundhouse, Royal Albert Hall, RNSS and The Production House.
The Technical Academy is hands-on production training for people with little or no experience, taught by the technicians who do it every day. If you’re 18+ and live in London, our three-week training programme could be your next step towards a brand new career. Everyone is welcome.
Find out about the range of work that happens backstage in creative venues – from building stages, rigging lights and setting up drum kits, to designing sound, lighting and audio visual effects. The Technical Academy is your chance to learn the basics, see how technicians work, and discover the need-to-knows for getting work in the industry.
Take part
We are now working with our partners on the next Technical Academy. Keep an eye on this page for updates.
The application process is not yet open. If you would like to be notified when it is, please get in touch.
What you’ll do:
- Get up close to technical production in some of London’s most iconic venues
- Meet our technicians and see how they work – from building stages to rigging lights and unloading trucks
- Learn about health and safety and how to work together as a team
- Find out how to find work and start your career in the industry
As a live events technician, some (but not all) of the tasks can be quite physical. Here are some of the things you may take part in on the course:
- Manual handling: lifting, pushing and moving heavy equipment, building staging and structures
- Rigging and focusing lighting, sound and AV equipment
- Operating lighting and sound desks
- Setting up backline equipment such as microphones, pianos, drum kits, amplifiers and music stands
- Hanging projection screens
Views & reviews
Past participants share their experiences of our Technical Academy.
‘I now have a way into the arts and am able to do something I’m really passionate about.‘
– Winson, 25
‘The real reason I am able to discuss training opportunities and work is because Technical Academy offered me the tools necessary to catch people’s interest.’
– Yasmin, 35
‘Expanding my knowledge in Technical Production and different roles in live events and theatre. It’s opened up a whole new world for me, which I’m excited to explore!’
– Dee, 25
Why we have launched the Technical Academy
The Southbank Centre delivers Technical Academy in partnership with The Albany, Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT), ATG Entertainment, Factory International, Livewire Productions, National Theatre, Roundhouse, Royal Albert Hall, RNSS and The Production House.
We all feel that people don’t know enough about the career opportunities in Technical Production. We want to show you what’s possible and help you get started. And we want to encourage new people into the sector – especially those from under-represented communities.