At Access Industry, we believe that creativity doesn’t just happen on stage; it happens everywhere in the arts and entertainment world. That’s why we offer apprenticeships that open doors to exciting, hands-on careers in theatres, concert halls, and performance venues. One of these is the Creative Venue Technician Apprenticeship, a programme designed for people who want to learn the technical and practical skills that make live events possible, from lighting and sound to stage management and props.
Apprentices on this programme gain real, on-the-job experience across multiple departments in a professional venue, while also learning the theory and planning behind every show. It’s a unique way to combine practical skills with formal training, and it can be the start of a truly creative career.
We spoke to Erin Davis, one of our current Creative Venue Technician apprentices, who has recently completed her apprenticeship and received a distinction, about her journey, what she’s learned, and where this apprenticeship has taken her.
An Unexpected Path into Theatre
Erin came to the apprenticeship almost by chance. “I never imagined I’d end up in theatre,” she explains. “Straight out of college, criminology was my favourite subject, and production work was just a fun extra-curricular thing I did. I didn’t think it could be a career until I stumbled across this apprenticeship.”
She applied just two days before the deadline and was amazed to be chosen. “Getting selected as one of the three successful applicants was absolutely incredible. I still can’t believe how lucky I was.”
Since starting, Erin has worked in 12–15 different departments at RBO, including lighting control, stage electrics, sound, stage crew, props, and build, with her personal favourites being the armoury and stage management. “Each department has taught me skills I never expected,” she says. “Not just for theatre, but life too… my parents have definitely benefited from my newfound DIY skills, especially fixing Christmas lights!”
The college training has complemented her practical work. “Learning about risk assessments, lighting plans, and ground plans might have seemed a bit dry at first,” Erin admits, “but it really helped me understand why things are done a certain way on stage. It even helped me achieve a distinction in my ABTT Bronze, which felt amazing.”
Assessment week was particularly intense. Erin had just finished stage management on Traviata and was moving straight onto Giselle. “My assessment had two parts,” she explains. “The first was practical: rigging lights, setting up a speaker and microphone, and programming cues. The second was a professional discussion with my assessor, covering health and safety, electricals, sub-sectors, and my experience in different departments. It was exhausting but really rewarding.”
What’s Next for Erin?
Currently, Erin is an Assistant Stage Manager on the upcoming Jette Parker production, Tales of Love and Loss. She also has stage management work experience lined up and hopes to explore armoury placements in the future. “Finding armoury experience is tricky since not many venues have one, but it’s definitely something I want to try,” she says. Looking ahead, she plans to search for stage management roles back up North once her contract ends in August.
Reflecting on her apprenticeship, Erin sums it up: “This has been a whirlwind, a crash course in every corner of theatre life, and a journey I never expected, but now I can’t imagine being without it.”
Ready to Start Your Journey Behind the Scenes?
If Erin’s story has inspired you, the Creative Venue Technician Apprenticeship could be your chance to turn curiosity into a career. Gain hands-on experience across multiple departments, learn from industry professionals, and develop the skills that make live performances possible.
Take a look at our Creative Venue Technician Apprenticeships with Access Industry and take the first step towards a career in theatre, live events, and performance production. Your backstage adventure starts here.
