BEHIND-THE-SCENES WITH OUR TECHNICIAN APPRENTICE, LUCY ABBEY

Behind every production you see at Curve is a whole army of brilliant technicians, working hard to create magic on stage. From Stage and Automation to Lighting, Wardrobe to Sound and Video, it takes incredible teamwork and skill to deliver performances night after night.

Today, we share the story and experience of Lucy Abbey, Curve’s current Creative Venue Technician Apprentice. As the third person to take on the role of Technician Apprentice since the programme launched in 2021, Lucy is gaining hands-on training across all areas of technical theatre at Curve, guided by our experienced team members.

We meet Lucy in the maze of corridors and rooms located underneath Curve’s Theatre, Studio and Foyer. She is busy soldering electrical cables, supervised by our Assistant Head of Lighting, Jonathan Payne.

Between tasks, we take the opportunity to ask her a few questions.

Lucy, how did you first get involved in technical theatre?

“I was starting Year 13, still unsure of what I wanted to do as a career.
I thought back to Year 11, when I helped backstage with a school show. I enjoyed doing that, so I thought, let’s try it again.”

At the time Lucy joined the Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society, first helping with props and then progressing to various behind-the-scenes roles, such as stage management.

A pivotal moment in her journey into technical theatre was watching BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL at Curve in 2022. “I was blown away by the show. From that moment I knew that I definitely wanted to pursue this career.”

Unfortunately, Lucy faced challenges as soon as she set out on her career path: “When I left sixth form in 2022, I struggled to find an apprenticeship, especially one that was not in London. I was losing hope and started to look at alternative careers.”

Her determination and passion for technical theatre led her to Curve, where she joined our Team as a Creative Venue Technician Apprentice. Our technical apprenticeships are made possible thanks to donations to our annual fundraising appeal, The Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre, and provide hands-on experience in all areas of backstage work, as well as offering a monthly salary as an employee of Curve and a nationally recognised qualification upon completion.

Lucy, how are you finding your apprenticeship?

“I am roughly four months into my apprenticeship now, and I have been enjoying it so far. Whenever I get to the point that I think, surely there is nothing new to learn, I get shown something I never would have thought possible.”

We wish Lucy the best with the rest of her training whilst she works backstage in the Theatre as part of our Made at Curve festive production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

Donate to The Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre today by clicking on the button below.