Tom Downie (Stage Management)

Department:: Production Arts
Year of Graduation:: 2019-20

What's been your highlight during your time at Guildhall?

My personal highlight at Guildhall is all of the friends I have made over the last three years. The people have truly been the best thing about Guildhall, not saying that the shows haven't been great...but it has really made this a stand-out part of my life and something I'll always look back on fondly.

What’s been your highlight in the industry?

My time that I spent as a rehearsal room ASM and now consequently ASM deping at Dear Evan Hansen with their fantastic stage management team.

What other passions and projects have you enjoyed exploring during your time at Guildhall?

Throughout my years at Guildhall I have been doing a lot of exercise and endurance sport as a form of release for myself from, what can sometimes be, a stressful environment in theatre. I found that it has really helped me to clear my head after a long day and stress the importance of a healthy mind and body.

What's something you've learned that you feel will help you when you graduate?

Obviously, all of my training will help me tremendously as I progress into the industry, but I feel that Guildhall has really taught me to enjoy the small things every day otherwise, you can get bogged down. Especially now as I write this in quarantine, this has really stressed to me the importance of enjoying the people you are around and doing it all for what you love.

What are you most interested in working in after you graduate?

I am most interested in working in Opera once I have graduated from Guildhall. Whether it be the smaller Opera festivals across the UK or the larger Opera houses globally, I am excited for all the opportunities.