Two South African Roadies Association (SARA) technical and production trainees; Promise Khuzwayo from Uitvaal, KwaZulu-Natal and Thembakazi Zabemhlola from Tsolo, Eastern Cape join the growing ranks of SARA trainees who have been able to journey abroad over the past 2 decades.
Khuzwayo and Zabemhlola leave on 5 November 2018, from OR Tambo International Airport for a life-changing skills development visit to the Backstage Academy in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, UK. They will be attending the Production Futures gathering, an initiative aimed at Education & Employability that is taking place at the Production Park on 7 November 2018.
Specifically designed for students, graduates and young freelancers from across the UK, Production Futures will present a recruitment marketplace offering real employment opportunities, plus an education zone and an industry forum with an inspiring programme of panel sessions, demonstrations and industry-driven networking opportunities. The attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with a broad spectrum of trade organisations and – crucially – live events companies looking to recruit.
Aimed at students and young freelancers, Production Futures – which is free to attend – gathers together live event industry giants to share their knowledge and experience through an inspiring programme of panel sessions, demonstrations and industry-driven networking opportunities.
The Total Production International – TPi Breakthrough Talent Awards will also be presented at Production Futures to acknowledge the hard work of up-and-coming members of the industry. The awards are open to anyone aged 30 and under, who are involved in lighting, set or video design, front-of-house and monitor engineering, backline tech, production coordination, stage and production management and rigging.
There is a range of technical careers available for young people in the technical and production sector that includes a variety of jobs that includes lighting, sound, rigging and Audio Visual. The technical and production sector utilises a diverse array of skills, including sound design, sound engineering and mixing, cabling, lighting design and engineering, programming, design to name a few.
SARA gratefully acknowledges the Department of Arts and Culture for its support of SARA’s International Program, which has enabled Promise Khuzwayo and Thembakazi Zabemhlola to travel to the UK and absorb new skills from and at the legendary Backstage Academy.