In Conversation with BA Production Arts, Theatre Technology Student, Josh Cole-Brown
In Conversation with BA Production Arts Theatre Technology Student, Josh Cole-Brown
We recently caught up with current BA Production Arts, Theatre Technology student, Josh Cole-Brown. We talked through why he chose to study at Guildhall School and what he is currently working on, including placements on shows such as Hamilton and A Streetcar Named Desire.
Why did you choose to study at Guildhall School? And why did you pick your degree pathway?
I chose to study at Guildhall because of the beautiful theatres which I really enjoy working in, also the large range of productions we put on throughout the year. As a passionate theatre-maker, I chose Guildhall to be around like-minded creatives in a space where I can focus my learning on my individual path.
I chose the Theatre Technology pathway because Lighting design for stage has always been a big passion of mine. From working on school shows to my earliest memories of watching professional theatre the lights have always captivated me.
In more recent years I have also developed a big passion for Stage Management. Alongside my technical course, I have been fortunate enough to conduct additional allocations within the course which have given me the learning experiences to expand on my skills for work outside Guildhall.
Can you tell us what it is like studying in London? What are some highlights and benefits of living in the City?
I am from London myself, therefore it was a simple change adapting to student life here. I had a few different options for places to study. London stood out because of its theatre industry and how close Guildhall is to the different entertainment hubs.
The multicultural society is certainly one in which I felt confident in spending my student years and developing as a professional.
Do you have any tips for students thinking about moving here?
I’d say for students considering study in London, get to know the city by visiting a few times. A city is only useful to study in if you enjoy the place. This way the city can give you a lot back. For example, London’s culture, vibrancy and easy transport links mean one can take a lot out of living here.
During your time at Guildhall School, what has been a highlight? Has there been a show you have worked on, or have you learnt how to use a piece of kit that has been the most rewarding?
My highlight from my time at Guildhall is finding a new passion for stage management. It was on the recent production of Intimate Apparel Directed by Mumba Dodwell that I first fulfilled the role of assistant stage manager. I really enjoyed my part in the process and working so closely with the cast and creative team.
Since that show I conducted further Guildhall shows as an assistant stage manager and have begun working professionally within stage management. My own drive but also passionate lecturers allowed for this change to happen and for me to learn a lot over a short space of time.
Can you tell us about the placement you have recently done / are doing? What have you learnt from this experience?
I am currently on work placement at Almeida Theatre on their upcoming production of A Streetcar Named Desire Directed by Rebecca Frecknal. I am already learning a lot about the rehearsal process and how different creative teams work. From sitting in production meetings and hearing the conversations but also from one-to-one chats with designers I am further informing my own practice and how I fit into the creative and technical process.
Before this I spent a week on placement in cast auditions for Hamilton West End, this was an opportunity I managed to get through my own networking over summer, and I am grateful for it. As a rehearsal room ASM you must be very hands on and adapt to how the performers are learning the piece. People who have seen the show will know that it has some very fast-paced numbers, my job was to make sure that props were in the right place for the auditioning ensemble to quickly move about and safely use the props for choreography.
I took a great deal from both these experiences. Mostly refining my own communication skills with dance captains and other members of the technical teams. I’ve also learned the value of being approachable within my line of work. Now that I have experienced work on a variety of production sizes, I know that one important thing across all productions is to be a friendly face but also someone who can communicate well under pressure.
What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying Production Arts?
Think carefully about what jobs interest you the most, although don’t feel you have to be set as you are able to explore different areas of interest as you study.
Talk to lots of people, four opinions rather than just one can give you a more detailed and rounded look on a subject. For example, at open days talk to students across all the years of a course.
