Backstage Roadshow

Students work in pairs, exploring the creative design process behind costumes, and the roles of costume supervisors, makers and designers. Each pair then makes their own design choices for a range of characters and how they might look.  

The first element involves drawing costume designs for their character, choosing from a range of body shape templates on paper, with pens and pencils.  

The second element is realising their design by selecting from different materials and creating a scaled-down costume on a mini mannequin, before presenting their design and choices to the rest of the group and reflecting on the process.

Students work as a group to explore the creative design and practical build of a small professional lighting rig. 

This workshop requires teamwork and good communication, as participants learn how to build and raise a lighting truss to working height, rig moving and static lights, and attach power and control cables. 

They then learn how to safely raise the truss to operational height, to focus static lights and programme a short sequence on a professional lighting desk, using both moving and static lights as a part of a full lighting design for stage.

Students work individually to create their own fake fruit tart. From the initial carving of a base from polystyrene, to choosing the colour of the filling and mixing paint/pigments, before adding their own creative flair of fruit toppings with fake whipped cream. 

This hands-on craft session is always popular, with participants able to compare their work, make personal choices, learn from our experts, and take their finished tarts home. 

Students will develop an understanding of the role of scenic artists in theatre, television, and film. 

They each create a 3D illusion of a section of brick wall, with some graffiti, from a starting point of a blank canvas. 

Participants work on their own piece to take home, learning specialist techniques with rollers, sponges and brushes, and creative input into the final design with the colours and stencils used.

Students work on our MacBook Airs to develop an understanding of QLab software, the industry standard software for building sound, video, lighting and show control cues. 

QLab is trusted by sound designers across the world and this workshop allows students to demonstrate creative and critical thinking to realise their own sound design using professional software.

Students will learn a variety of skills, from how to use a professional theatre prompt desk, cueing to music, and operating comms headsets, to making fake blood and food for the stage. 

This workshop raises individual confidence and communication skills, as well as learning to collaborate as part of a team to run a short cueing sequence together.

Students use our Windows laptops with Resolume Arena projection mapping software in this beginner’s introduction to the exciting world of digital design and production. 

They learn how to cover scale-model buildings with video content, using the latest game-engine and graphics-card powered software, trying the tools for themselves to find out which aspects interest them the most in the growing event, game, film and stage industries.

• All professional equipment and materials needed for workshops.
• One lead facilitator and one workshop assistant.
• For multiple sessions, one project manager to co-ordinate our staff.
• Our staff have an Enhanced DBS Certificate.
• Transport of equipment to and from your venue.
• Public and Employers Liability Insurance.
• Full risk assessments for all activities.

Exact needs vary for each workshop but, for most, we require a separate classroom with: 

• Access to a reliable WiFi network.
• A member of your staff to support our team with behaviour, school rules, and any additional needs of your students.
• Desks or tables that can easily be moved, chairs/stools, and access to 13amp power.
• Prop Making, Scenic Art and Stage Management require access to a large sink (for washing brushes/tools) and a floor that can be easily cleaned for any spills.
• Lighting for Stage requires a large, clear space with ceiling height of at least 4 metres. 

• Lighting for Stage and Video Mapping need to be able to switch off lights and cut out natural light. 

  If classrooms are not on the ground floor, we will require lift access. 

  Access and parking for one large van may be required for delivery and collection of equipment. 

  Participating schools will be required to complete our online evaluation survey, providing crucial feedback for the future funding and development of this programme.

• Workshops are offered free to UK state secondary schools, multi academy trusts and colleges. We prioritise schools with a high proportion of students who:
  • Are in receipt of free school meals.
  • Are Black, Asian or ethnically diverse.
  • Are likely to be from low socio-economic backgrounds.
• Workshops are suitable for students from Key Stages 3 and 4.
• Our Production Support Package is offered FREE to UK state primary and secondary schools. (Please note delivery capacity is currently limited to 2 school productions per year.)

Having started in 2024, the Backstage Roadshow runs throughout the academic year. We are taking enquiries for 2026/27, while securing future funding for the programme’s continuation. 

For secondary school workshops, please complete your expression of interest via this form.

Schools interested in production support, please register here.

Shortlisted schools will be contacted for an online meeting to discuss the options, prior to a site-visit being arranged ahead of any firm offer for the Backstage Roadshow to visit.

If you have any queries about the Backstage Roadshow, eligibility or applications, please contact our Production & Design Outreach Team by email to PAOutreach@gsmd.ac.uk

• Promote Production & Design training and career pathways to young people, parents/carers, and teachers.
• Support Guildhall School and the wider industry’s aims to improve diversity within the creative industry.
• Demystify backstage language and practices.
• Encourage and inspire young people to explore backstage careers further.
• Reach those with no/little prior experience of Production & Design.
• Increase teacher and career advisers’ knowledge of creative career paths.
• Signpost other opportunities within and outside of Guildhall School.

All participating schools will be required to take part in our evaluation study, providing crucial feedback for the future development and funding of this new programme.