Get Technical! Inspiring the Next Generation of Theatre Professionals in Birmingham

Last week, we welcomed 350 students to Birmingham Hippodrome for a behind-the-scenes experience with the World Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, designed to explore technical theatre careers and backstage roles.

As producers of the show, we were excited to deliver our Get Technical! Behind the Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical program to students from the Hippodrome Education Network (HEN). This hands-on initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to opening up career pathways in live theatre and showcasing the many roles that exist beyond the spotlight.

Following on from popular events in London, Manchester, and across the globe, Get Technical! offers the chance to hear from members of the production’s backstage and technical teams, watch live on-stage demonstrations and learn more about what goes into the making of a musical Spectacular!

From wigs to wardrobe and sound to stage management, the event motivates and inspires young people to consider a career in backstage positions in the performing arts industry. Attendees were shown how the different technical departments work together to create the production and were given a sneak peek of some of the stage secrets and magic behind the show, before watching the evening performance.

The backstage and technical team members also shared stories from their own career journeys and gave tips for getting into the industry.

We love seeing the excitement and curiosity sparked by these events. It’s always a privilege to open our doors and share what we do, and we hope this experience left students feeling inspired, informed, and ready to dream big about their future in the performing arts industry.

Our CEO and Producer, Carmen Pavlovic, said: 
“Backstage is where all the magic happens. Producers are constantly on the lookout for great crew and backstage company members. We’re after stage managers; lighting technicians; hair, wig and makeup artists; wardrobe assistants; set automation and mechanists to name a few. We’re thrilled to reach even more people with Get Technical as part of our World Tour. We hope young people will be inspired to consider the many potential career pathways into working in live theatre.”

Craig Randle, HEN Manager at Birmingham Hippodrome, said:
“The day was both incredibly inspiring and insightful. Students also participated in an array of workshops covering Directing, Musical Directing and Costume, to name a few. Opportunities like this are so integral for young people to widen their view of theatre and the many possible careers that there are beyond the performance. To be able to then participate and work with both worldwide company productions and professional facilitators, our young people were able to explore and ask questions, enabling a deeper connection to the arts. We are so grateful to the Moulin Rouge! The Musical team for making this special experience happen.” 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is playing at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 15 November. For information and to book tickets, click here.