Ross Carmichael (Stage Management)

Department:: Production Arts
Year of Graduation:: 2021-22

Ross Carmichael - CV (2022).pdf

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

The highlight of my time at Guildhall so far would definitely have to be my time as Book Cover on the Autumn Opera Triple Bill. The role was created as a contingency in the event of the indisposition of the DSM during the show's run due to COVID isolation or any other incidents. As my luck would have it, this exact event did in fact happen. Consequently, in the space of a day, I went from being an ASM to calling the entire Opera that night. It was by far one of the most memorable moments of my Guildhall career so far, with even the crew giving me a cheer when we finished broadcasting for the evening!

What's been your highlight in the industry?

My industry highlight so far is the work I've been doing with COLAB Theatre down in Southwark. I'm helping to develop their production, Crooks 1926, with the introduction of more props and world-building throughout the show. I've also been working on new projects with them, all of which I'm very excited to see come to fruition! My time both in character and running tech is always brilliant as it's a different show every evening, depending upon the audience.

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

I've spent a lot of my Guildhall career working on my skills in the creation of paper props. It's a niche area that really allows me to bring together my love of technology with my eye for detail. I find that they help insurmountably in the development of an immersive environment, especially in terms of creating a world that feels bigger than the four walls that contain it. Outside of theatre, I'm a self-professed nerd. Recently, I've been quite involved with a Dungeons and Dragons campaign with some friends of mine. My passion for films and pop culture is also very prevalent as well (especially Wes Anderson). Along with these, I've been continuing my fascination for all things typewriters and letter writing over the past year too!

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

Definitely the mindset that I've developed throughout my time at Guildhall. In the words of Bob Iger: "If you're in the business of making something, be in the business of making something great." Being surrounded by such talented people has really shown me the power of what we can create when we come together with a common goal and passion. In doing so, it has spurred me to be more creative myself, instilling an attitude within me of "what can I do to make this better?" rather than going for what I can do to just barely make it happen.

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

Anything immersive! It's been my passion since 2017 and I've adored it ever since! Whether it be theatre, events, or even installations, I just can't wait to start creating and building immersive worlds in which both myself and other people can lose ourselves for a while!