After enjoying an informal relationship with Backstage Academy—the leading live event production educational facility—stretching back many years, Manchester-based STS Touring Productions have now put the relationship on a formal basis.
BA’s Industry Partnerships Director, Miles Marsden, confirms that the rental company has been supplying a vast range of equipment, including Litedeck staging, PA, lighting and backline as required, virtually since the Academy set out its stall a decade ago. “But my relationship with Director, Pete Dutton goes back to the late ‘80s,” he said. “They are an established supplier and we are delighted that they have now signed a partnership agreement.
“This provides them with the potential to give masterclasses, which we would welcome, leading to work experience and employment opportunities. In fact a lot of our industry partners are looking at career potential.”
Marsden said that STS have recently provided valuable assistance for some really challenging and high profile projects, notably Litedeck staging for the current Lightwaves 2019 student showcase at Salford’s Media City, as well as the backline for two major stages at the Academy’s Graduation Showcase, held at their Production Park facility outside Wakefield, back in May.
Stated Pete Dutton: “I understand that new blood must be trained in the industry and hopefully we will see the benefits in the future if the graduates make the grade and placement will then take them further into the industry.”