Apprentice theatre technician Review

Role is varied. Every day different. Could be doing admin or coursework, Get ins for shows, so meeting incoming shows, unloading a truck, setting up stage set, lights, sound or working a show day, such as a pantomime. Can be long days.

Yes. It will depend on your venue what you learn. Some places and people are great, others less so. Everyone will learn manual handling, safety stuff, basics of electricity. You could learn to operate flying systems, programme a lighting desk, mix on a sound desk.

It has been a mixed experience for me and the others on my apprenticeship have said same. Not learnt everything I need to to get the next step up the ladder in a job. It depends on what venue you're in and how much time/interest they have in teaching you. Through the coursework you will learn very basic theory, that, while good to know, does not come up very much at work. Other staff are lovely, and the atmosphere is good.

The coursework itself is structured. You have to complete tasks with reasonable deadlines set on them. You can get extensions if you need to and the instructor, who you will meet via zoom is normally nice and relaxed. You basically teach yourself though and write PowerPoints based on learning via mainly Google and they mark it. It's not sit down lessons, but you can ask ATG to go for courses on stuff that you are interested in.

Employer has been generally okay. Pay is not great, but does rise slightly in second year. My immediate manager is great, helps me to progress, and is generally just a nice bloke and co workers too. Higher up than that is hit and miss if you have any issues. Make sure you get everything in your offer in writing! And double check your contract!

Not loads. You meet by zoom and they set you tasks. They'll come and observe you at work a few times to see how you are progressing. Later on when you take the qualification they will be around a lot more to talk through the process.

Honestly not much. It's a tick box exercise. The safety parts are helpful. Best thing you can do is ask to take an ABTT bronze course through your work, you'll learn a lot more practical skills and electrical theory on there. Your manager should be able to sort this out.

No but people do go for pub drinks, few times a year there's networking stuff at trade shows, and you'll be around your coworkers so much with the long hours you might just want to chill after work!

Yes

It's a good foot in the door. Go in with eyes open on the drawbacks and you'll do fine. There is bad stuff - the pays crap, the hours long, and you don't learn all you need to. But it is a start in an industry that's hard to get into, and you get to work on some cool shows.

As above. Eyes open on the pros and cons. If you don't get in I'd say go do an electrician apprenticeship or another trade then try and apply for casual work at your local theatre. You'd probably be welcomed with open arms - and be a lot better trained than me!