SPAA student, Aida Allowch – Year 4 Production Arts shares insight into a day in the life of shadowing a stage manager whilst working with one of the world’s most critically acclaimed theatre productions, The Lion King
United Arab Emirates, Sharjah – 26 December 2022: Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA), a world-class performing arts powerhouse, offers students enriching and immersive learning experiences whilst studying at the academy.
With the arrival of the six-time Tony Award-winning musical, The Lion King in the UAE in December 2022, SPAA secured the opportunity for some of the academy’s students to work on the production. One of SPAA’s talented students fortunate enough to be able to secure an internship with the support of SPAA, offers an insight into a day in her life whilst working on the show.
The work placement offered Aida Allowch, Year Production Arts studentthe opportunity to shadow the show’s Stage Manager, learning more about the operations of overseeing such iconic show, as well as the chance to meet incredible musical performers, connect with industry professionals and take part in an unforgettable educational experience.
1. What was your role within the Lion King show?
Shadowing the stage manager and supporting on them in facilitating communication within the creative and technical departments; whilst offering support to the director and supporting [him/her] on lighting, sound and technical cues during performances.
2. How does your day usually start and what sort of activities were you able to be a part of?
We begin the day by ensuring all cast and crew have the running order of the show across all departments, from the management office, to creatives, music, sound, stage lighting, assistant stage managers, hair and make-up and everyone in between! I then work with the assistant stage managers to prepare the cast for rehearsals and monitor the rehearsals, guarantee everything is running smoothly. We then check that all sign posting is properly in order and prepare all items for the day’s performances.
3. Who did you get to meet and talk to?
I met Michael Cassel from Michael Cassel Group, the company management team (Fred Hemminger, Michelle Sverdloff and Helen Godfrey) the Production management team (Malcolm Lamb), Directors (Julie Taymor and Oomar Rodriguez), Stage management team ( Kristin Newhouse, Clare “Spanna” Hill, Namhla Kalipa, Andrew Choi, “Z” Zhenghao Zhang. I have liaised with the dancers (led by Theresa Nguyen), costume and wardrobe (Eugene Titus), Hair & Make up (Owen Els, Ophelia Liu, Myrene Santos) Sound (Riaan Williams) and I’ve been fortunate enough to meet all the cast – meeting everyone has been hugely inspirational.
It was incredible to have the opportunity to give them an insight into my experience at SPAA and tell them more about the academy and the skills I have honed since studying here. They all seemed enormously impressed with the training I have received already and assured me that all of my learnings will be directly transferable to the professional theatre world. As my name is “Aida” people have often commented that I would be a natural fit in the world of theatre as my name comes from the famous Opera Aida. I was also given the chance to discuss with industry professionals about the array of productions which are performed at the academy and my role in managing them.
4. What was it like meeting Julie Taymor?
It was amazing and such a wonderful surprise as I could have only dreamed of meeting someone so skilled and passionate in their field. It was almost poetic the way she spoke about the show, as if she were speaking about her own child. She was able to share her unique journey with us and details of how she worked so hard to bring the show to life. We were able to discuss that the show connects the whole world and makes every member of the team and audience feel as though they are part of the story, which is what makes it truly magical.
5. How do you channel creativity during the day?
My creativity shines when we have to find quick and inventive solutions to issues which arise throughout the day. As the only member of the crew or cast that is from the UAE, team members are often requesting my advice and creative direction when it comes to the cultural landscape. Working in stage management allows me to switch into stand-by mode, where I’m always creative and aware of everything around me to make sure that the show is going well.
6. How did your day usually end?
At the end of each day, the stage manager creates the schedule for the next day after collecting all the information from all the departments. Each department ensures that everything is in place and ready for the next show.
7. What did you enjoy most about the Lion King Work Placement?
It’s hard to choose one thing, as I loved every aspect of the experience, particularly learning from professionals and taking inspiration from their organisation when running such a huge operation. It was incredible to have the chance to see all of our hard work come to life on stage.
8. What makes the Lion King play so special in your eyes and why?
There are a number of elements which make this critically acclaimed show so special. The music is a work of art and the songs seamlessly engage with the characters and the story. The music, combined with the heart-warming script, evokes a mix of emotions which can move you to tears or laugh out loud, making for an unforgettable theatre experience.
9. What is your personal favourite part of the show?
There are two parts of the show which really move me, “The circle of life” at the start takes me back to my childhood, and the epic music when Mufasa dies always brings me to tears.
10. How do you unwind after a full day of working on set?
I start my day by doing a warm up and ensure to take breaks throughout the long day. I always make sure to eat lots so that I am full of energy while working and get a good night’s sleep to feel fresh and ready for another busy day.
11. How do you feel in regards to SPAA giving you such opportunities? What other exciting opportunities have you been a part of with SPAA?
I feel so proud to be one of the first students that joined SPAA and so grateful for this wonderful opportunity as it has always been my dream to work in The Lion King musical and the academy helped me to achieve that. I was part of the stage management team in Dubai Opera for the Orchestra, Mamma Mia show, The Phantom of the Opera and many other opportunities such as visiting some international companies such as creative technology.
12. What do you enjoy most about SPAA?
I enjoy being part of this amazing academy and working alongside such talented individuals. I also love working on projects which give me the freedom to develop my skills. It’s a unique space that gives me and my peers the space to express ourselves and hone our talents.
13. What first captured you about performing arts?
I love theatre as it is electric and alive with so many passionate and talented artists, so when I read about the production arts programme as SPAA it seemed like a natural career choice for me.
For more information, or to be the first to know about the open days, auditions, workshops and masterclasses at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy taking place in January 2022, please email [email protected]
To learn more about the BA Undergraduate degrees, Diplomas and programmes on offer, please visit: www.spaa.ae
Sharjah Performing Arts Academy
Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is a world-class facility galvanising communities, showcasing local and international creative talent, and leading the way in higher education for professional performing arts. Opened in 2019, and born from the progressive vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, SPAA is the only Academy of its kind in the Middle East. SPAA offers the opportunity for candidates to study full-time Bachelor degrees in Acting, Production Arts and Musical Theatre, in addition to the Trinity Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance, with programmes led by highly qualified professionals and educators using intensive, practice-based training. Through the generosity of HH, Ruler of Sharjah, fully funded scholarships are available for eligible students each academic year.
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