Both Orbital and the NT are concerned that there is a skills shortfall - that young people entering the industry have little experience of the latest technology and techniques. The course is designed to enhance the "skills sets" of students in line with the growing expectations of directors, producers and audiences.
Building on the success of its previous years, the course was filled to capacity with over 20 students attending from drama colleges nationwide, including Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Queen Margaret University College and GSA Conservatoire. Students also attended from The Danish National Theatre School.
The course was designed by Simon Whitehorn (who spearheads Orbital's training programs) and The National Theatre's Borneo Brown, and was hosted by staff from both organisations who led the seminars and workshops. Orbital's Drew Mollison, Gareth Owen, Bill Addison and Richard Carter presented various sessions. The National contributed with a detailed tour of its sound facilities and a lecture seminar hosted by sound designer, Paul Groothuis.
As in previous years', the course fused theory with a hands-on approach. Emphasis was placed on production engineering in a digital domain featuring playback systems and FOH desks, as well as theatre communications and radio mic systems. Subjects such as electroacoustics and sound system design were also covered.
Orbital's MD Chris Headlam commented: "We believe that it is extremely valuable to offer students the opportunity to gain an extra level of technical skill and artistic understanding. The course has expanded their skills-sets to enable the level of competence necessary in contemporary theatre."
The National's Borneo Brown added: "This was a very successful edition of our course. It's great to see that it has grown in popularity and that students appreciate the opportunity to get to grips with technology, preparing them to enter the real world of theatre sound."
(Lee Baldock)
