In conversation with BA Production Arts (Stage Management) second year student Eloise Fedarb.
In conversation with BA Production Arts (Stage Management) second year student Eloise Fedarb.
In conversation with BA Production Arts (Stage Management) second year student Eloise Fedarb.
Studying at Guildhall in the heart of London means experiencing one of the world’s most vibrant cultural capitals while training intensively in your craft. We spoke with a current Stage Management student Eloise Fedarb about what it’s really like to live and study in the City, from navigating student life to diving into hands-on production work across departments.
Can you tell us what it is like studying in London? Do you have any tips for students thinking about moving here?
I’m a born and raised Londoner, but studying here for drama school gives a whole new perspective on the City. I’ve lived in Sundial Court (Guildhall’s student accommodation) for years one and two, which is only a few minutes’ commute and perfect for experiencing London to its fullest, with easy access to the West End, Shoreditch and the Thames river. There are always events happening in the area, from galleries and museum exhibitions to one-off pop-ups, so I’d recommend taking advantage of everything on your doorstep.
Our Stage Management students are always super busy; can you tell us about some projects on the horizon?
Alongside lecture-based training, I’ve already worked on a wide range of shows within the School, including puppetry, children’s theatre, opera, musical theatre, drama, and classical and jazz music events. From second year onwards, we take part in six allocations per year, including an elective outside your pathway to broaden your skills. For the rest of this year, I’m working on three drama productions and two small-scale operas in roles such as Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) Book Cover, Props Supervisor and Costume Assistant.
Can you tell us about a work placement you have recently completed, what your role was and what were your responsibilities?
I’ve just completed six weeks within event management – a great experience and something unique to the course. I worked on a range of events within the School, including the Production Arts open day, concerts in the Concert Hall, and the Jazz Festival. Externally, I worked on Jazz Voice at the Royal Festival Hall and the first Lady Mayor’s Show, where Guildhall were invited to perform for the first time. We marched with the Guildhall Young Artists musicians performing compositions from our Electronic & Produced Music undergraduate course, and our float was well received with lots of media coverage including being featured on a dedicated BBC broadcasting spot. It was exciting to be part of something that could now become an annual Guildhall tradition.
Over the six weeks, I took on a variety of roles, including Event Manager, Flag Bearer, Assistant Stage Manager and Artist Liaison. My responsibilities ranged from creating dressing room signage, scheduling and making spreadsheets, to greeting performers, paging the stage-left entrance, and moving music stands during performances.
How is your course preparing you for your future?
I chose Guildhall for the hands-on, practical training we receive every day and the inspiring environment of learning in well-equipped spaces with likeminded individuals. The lecturers are all industry professionals, so you’re learning directly from people who have consistently worked in the specialisms you’re passionate about. The resources and varied show opportunities mean you can take on a range of roles and work with different teams - experience that prepares you well for life beyond university.
We’d love to hear more about student life at Guildhall and in London. Tell us about the societies you're involved in.
I’ve been the President of Guildhall’s LGBTQIA+ society, The Queer Collective, since term one of my first year. I’m very passionate about raising the group’s profile and ensuring it’s a safe, inclusive space for everyone.
We regularly host events that help students meet people outside their pathway and year group, and we finish the year by marching in the London Pride Parade. I also work as a Residential Assistant at Sundial Court, where we aim to enhance the student experience through events and by helping create a supportive living environment.
