Student experience: Going behind the scenes of Hamilton
Hear from ALT student, Olivia Hughes about their experience watching rehearsals of hit theatre production, Hamilton.
Olivia Hugh’s, a first-year Stage and Production Management student at the Academy of Live Technology (ALT), shares her exciting experience of an exclusive industry day behind the scenes of the hit musical Hamilton.
Going back stage for dress rehearsal
After attending an inspiring talk by Chris Boone, the show’s Technical Director at ALT, Olivia and a handful of students were invited to a technical and dress rehearsal of the production during its run at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford.
How did you get the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at a Hamilton production?
Through Academy of Live Technology. I attended a symposium that Chris Boone (Technical Director for Cameron Mackintosh) was doing. He spoke to us about the company and the different aspects of working in theatre. At the end of the session me and three of my peers went to thank him and whilst we were chatting to him, we asked if he had any work experience opportunities coming up in the future. He gave us his email address and told us that we could go along to the technical/dress rehearsal of Hamilton at the Alhambra.
What did you get to experience during rehearsals of Hamilton?
We were given the opportunity to look around the set and the backstage area as well as speaking to the different departments backstage. We then sat and watched the dress rehearsal, and we were given the opportunity to wear a comms headset so we could hear the DSM calling the show.
How did you feel stepping into such a high-profile production?
We were all very excited and nervous. None of us had ever experienced a dress rehearsal before, so it was interesting to see how it ran and how the show came together.
Alhambra Theatre in Bradford
Alhambra Theatre in Bradford
The Hamilton Poster
The Hamilton Poster
Hamilton sign at the Alhambra
Hamilton sign at the Alhambra
Alhambra Theatre in Bradford
Alhambra Theatre in Bradford
The Hamilton Poster
The Hamilton Poster
Hamilton sign at the Alhambra
Hamilton sign at the Alhambra
What surprised you the most about how a production like Hamilton runs behind the scenes?
The set was incredible. They tour the whole set, and it is built on top of the in-house stage. We looked at the unique build of the rotating stage and how it worked. Also, when we spoke to the costume department, we found out that the costume designer for Hamilton is the same person who designed the costumes for the wicked film!
What were your standout moments from your time there?
Being able to listen to the DSM calling the show was amazing because it showed us how important the role is and how calling a show works in practice.
What skills did you develop or strengthen while working on the show?
I think that I speak for all four of us when I say that we gained knowledge about how a show operates. We’ve learnt about how things run on our course, but experiencing it brings a whole new level of perspective. It also made us all think about how much we would love to work in theatre!
"I think all four of us share a passion for theatre and having this experience has made us realise how much we would love to work in that setting. We all left the theatre feeling super passionate and excited about what the future holds."
What advice would you give to other students hoping to land a similar opportunity?
Don’t be afraid to ask! The worst that someone can say is no. If we hadn’t had asked, we wouldn’t have been able to experience this fantastic opportunity. After the day at Hamilton, we spoke with Chris, and he said that he would be happy for us to come along again to the Mary Poppins rehearsal when it comes to Alhambra. I feel like that one question has opened some amazing opportunities that we would never have hadn’t asked.
How has studying at ALT helped to open opportunities like this within the industry?
Without ALT, I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience an opportunity like this. The people that you meet and the connections that you make whilst studying at ALT are fantastic. You are always in contact with industry professionals and it’s a great place to network.
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