What a career in Live Events looks like

Categories: Live Events, Visual Design and Stage Management @Backstage Academy, Undergradute

03/06/2020

Deciding on a career path can seem like a tremendous task to begin with. After studying multiple subjects for years, you finally have an idea about what you enjoy learning and potentially a career to pursue. The next step is to look for a degree in the industry you want to head into.

In this blog, we will take a closer look at some of the careers you can have by graduating with a Live Events degree. There are many areas of production which are essential to ensuring a positive and smooth event; the person on stage in the spotlight is most often supported by a team of crew members. Of course, in the more significant events, there are more people working sound, lighting, production, and organisation, but even a small gig requires a professional crew. By the end of this blog, you’ll have an insight into live events careers, and be inspired by some of the incredible people in the industry.

Potential careers

For a successful stadium gig or festival, you need far more than just the artist; essential for the event to run smoothly is a collective of talented crew members. Even for small events and gigs crews are needed, even if they will be on a smaller scale. A key player is the backstage manager who will be found behind-the-scenes; keeping it all together with the right people, in the right places, at the right time. A backstage manager is crucial, from organising the event months before the date to making sure the star is on the stage and happy with the set-up.

A backstage manager will keep the event on track, but most importantly deal with any production issues. If something needs fixing or addressing, it is down to the backstage manager to find the solution. They assist with rehearsals, making notes of any changes and actioning them, this might be up until the very last minute. You’ll find them backstage with a clipboard and headset, working down the list to make everything runs smoothly.

In the spotlight

Michael Eavis, does that name ring a bell? Well, it should, he is a dairy farmer who co-created the famous Glastonbury Festival 50 years ago. He has helped organise and grow the festival for the last five decades, today over 210,000 people get to enjoy the Glastonbury offering.

If you’re inspired to get into this fast-paced and exciting industry, check out the incredible degrees on offer at the University of Bolton, click here.