Skillscene is not a drama school.
Skillscene is not a trade organisation. There are plenty of those, too, some (like PLASA) representing manufacturers, others (like the ABTT and SMA) representing those working in the industry. Many trade associations are also members of Skillscene.
Skillscene is not an employer - manufacturer, supplier or venue. But representatives of many of those organisations are members of Skillscene.
Skillscene is not a government body. For the entertainment industry, that body is Creative & Cultural Skills. It, too, is a member of Skillscene.
Instead, Skillscene is a forum - a real one, not a virtual one - for anyone interested in making the recognition of skills relevant, meaningful and better.
It’s a place to meet, a place to talk, a place to share ideas with others who recognise that training and qualifications are not ends in themselves, rather tools for improving and recognising the skills, talent and experience of those working behind the scenes of entertainment.
It’s a place where ideas are shared, suggestions are made, help offered and sometimes gratefully received between people working for this shared cause.
People from theatre producers, theatre owners, venues, trade organisations, drama schools, training providers, suppliers, manufacturers and unions - as well as those actually out working in the field, employed and freelance - are already part of Skillscene.
What Is Skillscene?
Skillscene is a forum for anyone interested in making the recognition of skills relevant, meaningful and better to come and talk to like-minded people about the best ways of making that happen.
History
Skillscene has its origins in Theatre Technical Training Services (TTTS), an organisation created by eight leading subsidised theatre organisations, including the National Theatre, the Royal Opera House and English National Opera.
Aims
A summary of Skillscene’s aims would include:
- to provide a network and forum for people and organisations involved in technical production for the entertainment industry.
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A Brief History Of Technical Training In The UK
Technical training in the UK has changed enormously, and continues to change enormously. The trouble is for many, particularly those already out working in the industry, these changes have passed them by, a sea of three-letter acronyms that come and go.
Which is perhaps why a little catch-up might be helpful!
Years ago, backstage craft was largely learnt by doing. You might start working on shows at school, making things up as you went along, reading books, or listening to older kids or teachers who’d already done a few shows. From there you might decide this was the profession for you, and badger the local theatre for a job. Taken on at the lowest rung of the organisation, you’d learn from those who’d already been doing the job for years. Skills were passed on in an efficient, yet completely informal, way. You had nothing to ‘prove’ you had those skills - no formal qualification, no certificate - but when you applied for a new job it was accepted that having spent time learning on the job you’d have those skills, and a letter of recommendation from your previous employer would confirm that if necessary. Plus if you started a new job without those skills, you’d probably be found out pretty quickly!
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