Chris’s Fresher Experience

Chris is in his first year studying BA Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of Leeds

Prior to coming to the University of Leeds I never had any experience with behind the scenes aspect of theatre. However, after attending music gigs and clubs here in the UK and abroad, I developed a great interest in the lighting of these events and knew I wanted to get involved somehow. So at the freshers fair I found Backstage, signed up to the mailing list, attended the events and have not looked back!! This first year so far has been really enjoyable and look forward to being involved with the society for the rest of my time here.

“At the freshers fair I found Backstage, signed up to the mailing list, attended the events and have not looked back!!”

So far, I have been part of two shows and will be looking to be part of a few more this year. The first show, Little Shop of Horrors, I was one of the lighting assistants. This role gave me the basic understanding of how a show works and gave me the confidence to step up and co-lighting design Dance Comp. Designing the lights for Dance Comp was a very enjoyable and stressful experience at the same time due to several factors that occurred during show week. However, by show night all the stress suffered paid off and it went off with no major disasters.

The next show I was a part of was Exposé, where I was the AV assistant. This is the first opportunity this role was called so I applied for it in order to get a greater knowledge of different areas. The show nights went well with major disasters and by the last show night on Saturday everyone in the team performed brilliantly and it was the best show of the week.

For the next shows I will apply for roles in different areas in order to gain experience in all areas. For example, I will look to be part of the sound, stage and front of house crews for the next shows this year and in the years to come.

“It is very rewarding and all the people you meet are so friendly and easy to get on with.”

I definitely recommend becoming part of this society and being an active member, I will be sticking around a while!! It is very rewarding and all the people you meet are so friendly and easy to get on with.

By Chris Mee

Posted on 13th March 2017