Riedel Communications is teaming up with UK-based Backstage Academy to provide its live event production students with hands-on training using the latest equipment, including Riedel Artist and Bolero intercom systems.
“We’re training tomorrow’s professionals, so it’s important that we get the best and most current gear in front of these students,” says Backstage Industry Partnership Director Miles Marsden. “We’re proud that our students graduate with cutting-edge skills, immediately ready to fill any shortages in the industry as it bounces back to pre-pandemic levels. Our close partnership with Riedel helps make this possible.”
As a Backstage Academy partner, Riedel supplied an Artist digital matrix intercom system and Bolero wireless intercom antennas and beltpacks to the campus, which is part of the Production Park facilities in Yorkshire.
“Our stage management courses heavily focus on comms, and Bolero really is a great system to teach on,” notes Backstage Technical Director Gareth Welbourn. “We were all stunned by the robust quality of the system, and its ease of use makes teaching super-effective. The students really love Bolero, and the more features we introduce, the more their jaws drop. Within half an hour of showing students the system, they’re configuring it and thinking about new possibilities, changing stuff around. It’s brilliant.”
Backstage Academy students used Riedel’s intercom systems during training and in producing their end-of-year showcase, “Live Again.” The live-streamed,theatrical multistage show told the story of the live event industry’s struggle through the COVID-19 pandemic. Produced in Studio One, Production Park’s largest studio, the project put into practice everything students have learned during the training program.
“It was great to see how effortlessly and professionally the students handled our products to produce their excellent ‘Live Again’ showcase,” concludes Riedel U.K. Sales Manager Nacho Lee. “We’ve created a fruitful partnership — and one that is sure to enrich our own educational offerings within the Riedel Academy in the future.”
