Josh Hill (MA Collaborative Theatre Production & Design)

Biography

Specialist Area: Technical Theatre Practitioner & Technical Management

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

Given my role as a technical support and maker figure, I often find myself operating behind the scenes, with limited involvement in performance content. However, being immersed in an environment surrounded by like-minded colleagues has provided me with the opportunity to engage in the performance-making process and find joy within the creative process.

This collaborative setting has been incredibly rewarding, offering me an opportunity to contribute my expertise while exploring my own creative process alongside peers who share a similar passion. Being able to participate in the creative journey, from conceptualization to execution, has been immensely fulfilling.

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

Throughout my time at Guildhall, one invaluable skill I've gained is an insight into the workings of other creatives across various disciplines in performance. I have worked on a diverse range of projects in my time in the industry, but being able to look at a performer on stage and on some level understand the nuances of the intention allows me to better understand how to support them and improve my craft as a production artist. 

By collaborating closely with individuals from backgrounds ranging from music to drama and beyond, I've not only learned to appreciate individual processes inherent to each discipline but also to recognize the relationship between them.

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

When it comes to a fixed role, I've yet to narrow down my focus to a specific area. My skill set and experience spans set building, lighting design, and sound design, all of which I'm enthusiastic about applying to the world of theatre and performance.

Most recently, as a group we have the opportunity to collaborate with Anystage Productions at the Centre de Création. This project was my first opportunity working in the world of aerial performance and circus, something I’ve not explored previously. The experience was not only very interesting but also eye-opening, highlighting a curiosity to further explore other more dynamic performance mediums, and how I apply myself to those areas. 

Moving forward, I am eager to seize opportunities that challenge and diversify my skillset as well as refine my creative process.

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

Photography has long been an interest of mine, and my time at Guildhall has provided many opportunities to practice this in a professional environment. The diverse array of projects within our course curriculum, alongside the numerous shows produced by my peers, has afforded me a consistent platform to refine my skills in performance photography. From capturing the energy of dance performances to documenting the intricate details of rehearsals and meetings. 

During our group residency at Centre de Création, I was immersed in documenting the production process photographically. Recording rehearsals and meetings not only enabled me to track the evolution of a performance from its inception to its culmination but also provided us with a tangible chronicle of this enriching and enjoyable time. I have also applied my proficiency with the adobe suit to the creation of marketing material and programmes for our various productions.